With thousands of people attending firework parties this weekend, Norwich Union Insurance is calling on all homeowners to ensure their property is safe and secure this Bonfire Night.
With thousands of people attending firework parties this weekend, Norwich Union Insurance is calling on all homeowners to ensure their property is safe and secure this Bonfire Night.
Not surprisingly, 5 November is one of the worst nights of the year for accidents with fire and fireworks – our figures show that claims increase by 50%* compared to an average day.
But it’s also the worst night of the year for burglary. Norwich Union’s theft claims increase by 25%* on Bonfire Night.
Homeowners unwittingly give thieves easy access to their homes and valuables while they are out enjoying public firework displays, or even hosting their own firework celebrations in their back gardens.
Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union, says: “Unfortunately, Bonfire Night is historically one of the most lucrative nights of the year for thieves. Homes are empty, it's pitch black and the noise of all those rockets, screamers and flares gives burglars the perfect opportunity to break into people’s homes.
"Home security is often the last thing on people’s minds and we know of many cases where burglars slip through open doors while people are enjoying private firework displays in their back gardens. Our advice is to take time to ensure your home is safe and secure before heading out this year.”
Norwich Union’s Bonfire Night tips
- Leave the lights on if you leave the house for a public display and ensure all doors and windows are securely locked
- Ensure sheds, garages and gates have robust locks
- Avoid leaving the keys in the lock inside when double locking – this will prevent burglars using the hook and cane method through your letterbox
- Keep your car keys separate from other keys and don’t put them in an obvious place – today’s thieves often burgle homes just to get car keys to steal the car in the drive
- Consider installing a burglar alarm either by an approved contractor or failing that by purchasing a system from one of the DIY chains. "Dummy Covers" are a deterrent but if you can afford it a real one is better. (It may also get you a discount on your home insurance)
- Fit a motion sensor light which will work at any time whether you are in or out of the house
- Never leave your back door open when holding a firework display in your back garden
- If you’re having a fireworks party with neighbours, take the time to do a couple of checks of each other’s homes during the course of the evening.
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Press office contacts:
Chris Soult, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6475 or csoult@lexispr.com
Rebecca Holmes, Norwich Union Press Office, on 01603 354 346 or 07800 690 731
Notes to editors:
* Based on Norwich Union claims data from 1988 to 2005
About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 15%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media