Homeowners could be putting their properties at risk this summer as they head off for a well-earned break, a game of golf or a shopping trip.
Homeowners could be putting their properties at risk this summer as they head off for a well-earned break, a game of golf or a shopping trip.
Government figures show that almost half of all burglaries take place while homeowners are away from home, with over Ł100m worth of items stolen during the summer months.*
To help homeowners protect their homes this summer, Norwich Union has produced some simple top tips:
- Tell trusted neighbours that you won't be home and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Supply them with a key, so that they can take your post in, put the rubbish out on the right day, and open and close the curtains so the property doesn't appear empty
- Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked when you leave and don't forget to turn your burglar alarm on
- You may want to ask a professional housesitter to stay at your home if you're going away for a long time
- It's easy to set timer switches for lights, TVs and radios to give the impression that someone is at home
- Cancel the milk and papers if you have them delivered
- Hide or lock away valuables, such as jewellery or silver. Few burglars are professionals and won't want to waste time searching
- Lock up your garage and garden shed, as well as any garden tools and ladders, which can be used to gain access to properties.
Jill Willis, household product manager for Norwich Union Insurance, said; "Unfortunately, burglaries still occur during the lighter summer months, although people are often complacent when it comes to securing their home.
Often the most simple security precautions can make a real difference between a family enjoying a day out or holiday and returning home to find that they have been burgled."
Homeowners who are lucky enough to be away for extended periods (generally more than 30 days) should also take extra precautions to protect their homes from break-ins or leaking pipes - as well as checking their insurance policies to ensure they are adequately covered while they are away.
For more information about Norwich Union household policies, readers should call 0800 888 222 or speak to their insurance broker.
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Media contact: Matt Buchanan at QBO on 0207 379 0304 or Liz Nicholson at Norwich Union press office on 08703 666863.
Notes to editors
* From British Crime Survey 2000 and Datamonitor UK Household Insurance 2000 Report.
- Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122 Registered Office 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG.
- Member of the General Insurance Standards Council
- CGU plc and Norwich Union plc merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc, the UK's largest insurance group and one of the top-five insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's sixth largest insurer based on gross worldwide premiums.
- CGNU's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales from ongoing business of over Ł27 billion and assets under management of more than Ł210 billion (correct as at February 2001).
- From October 2000, the combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund management businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional investment business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
- Norwich Union's news releases are available on the internet at www.cgnu-group.com