Even burglars take off christmas day

• Burglary claims  on Christmas day are 59 per cent lower than the seasonal average
• However, householders warned of New Year’s Eve burglary spike 
   

Analysis of claims data by Churchill Home Insurance1 reveals that even burglars take a day off, with household crime rates falling dramatically on Christmas Day. Home insurance claims by policyholders for theft committed on Christmas Day are 59 per cent lower than the monthly average for December.  

However, householders are warned that burglars have no qualms about exploiting the holiday spirit on New Year’s Eve, as claims for thefts committed on this day surge by 28 per cent compared to the monthly average.  Churchill analysed three years’ worth of claims data to establish crime trends during the festive season. 

The research shows the 19th and 20th December also represent peak days for theft during the festive season when claims increase by 12 per cent compared to the monthly average.  Sadly, it may be that criminals are stealing items specifically to pass off as gifts they have purchased or to fence or pawn for cash ahead of Christmas Day. 
    
Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance, commented: “Whilst home security is unlikely to be at the top of homeowner's minds during the busy festive period it is clear that, as with any other period of the year, our homes remain at risk to burglary.”

Churchill Home Insurance has the following tips to help householders ensure their property is not vulnerable to potential burglars this year: 
• Fit deadlocks or key-operated security bolts to all external doors.
• Fit a good quality, approved alarm – look out for British Standard BS4737.
• Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible windows.
• Never leave keys in a lock, or a ‘secret’ hiding place like under the mat – burglars know where to look!
• Check the identity of callers before opening your door fully – a chain or a ‘spyhole’ will help.
• Always lock up garden tools and ladders – they can be used to break into your home.
• Trim garden hedges so that doors and windows can be seen and no-one can hide.
• Make sure the area around your home is well lit.
• Always lock your shed or garage – especially if it has a connecting door to your house.
• Security-mark your valuables with UV ink with your postcode, and photograph them if possible.
• If you are worried about anything, ask for a visit from your local Crime Prevention Officer.

If you are going away
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check on the property and remove any mail that has piled up – especially if you have a glass door.
• Use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are out.

These tips are for information only. They do not form part of a policy or contract of insurance.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1 Churchill’s analysis of internal claims data, December 2011,2012 and 2013

For further information:

Claire Foster
Churchill PR Manager
Tel: 020 8285 8682 
Email:Claire.Foster@directlinegroup.co.uk

Katie Pugh
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 282 2914
Email: Katie.Pugh@citigatedr.co.uk

Churchill
Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line. 
Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  
Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   
Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com