Five property crime trends to watch out for in 2014

Around seven million households were victims of property crime in 2012/2013, according to analysis by Privilege Home Insurance1.

As technology evolves and lifestyles change, so does the modern criminal. Dan Simson, head of Privilege Home Insurance, cautions of five property crime trends to be aware of in 2014:

1.      Metal detectors

An increasing number of criminals are using hand held metal detectors to locate items of jewellery hidden inside homes. This is quicker than searching common hiding places like wardrobes or drawers, enabling them to locate items that aren’t immediately visible. Families with high value items at home should consider a personal safe, ideally fixed to a wall or the floor somewhere burglars would not expect to find it, and preferably with a combination lock as keys may be found. Having items regularly valued and ensuring they fall within the single item limit of the owner’s home insurance policy is also vital.

2.      Apple picking

Mobile phone theft has always been common, but so called ‘Apple Picking’ has taken this type of crime to a new level which is potentially more aggressive and confrontational than pick-pocketing. Criminals are snatching phones straight from users’ hands as they talk or text. Often criminals are on bikes, so the theft can occur in a matter of seconds.

The best advice here is to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when using a phone in public, as thieves are more likely to target those who look distracted or engrossed in conversation. If people do fall victim to this type of crime, report it to the police immediately and do not attempt to chase the criminal down.

3.      Cash for gold envelopes

Thieves are carrying pre-addressed ‘cash for gold’ envelopes, allowing them to post stolen items as they leave the property and subsequently receive a cheque for the value. They no longer need to worry about selling the stolen jewellery on and if they are stopped or raided after the break-in there is no material evidence linking them to the crime.

4.      Stickers on front doors

Burglars are using stickers to mark houses to target for break-ins. In recent cases the stickers appear to be advertising a 24 hour locksmith, when in actual fact no such business exists. Under no circumstances do companies have a right to mark a property or attach items to it. If this does occur, remove the sticker immediately and take extra precautions with home security checks, such as locking windows and doors. 

5.      Garage theft

Garage theft is still a widespread issue and something that many homeowners fail to consider as part of their home security. Criminals are prising open garage doors with single central locks, to steal the items inside or to gain access to the main house through internal doors. On average, victims of garage theft lose items worth a total of £973, with tools, bikes and garden furniture being the most commonly targeted items2. Homeowners should give as much thought to the security of their garage as they do their home, and ensure they consider the value of items stored in the garage when taking out a home insurance policy.

While trends in property crime evolve quickly, the basics for keeping a home safe still hold true. From locking windows and doors when the property is unoccupied, to the installation of a security light, every additional measure counts. Property crime remains a constant threat, making the purchase of a comprehensive home insurance policy, that covers the total value of your possessions, absolutely essential.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster 
PR Manager
Privilege Home Insurance
020 8285 8682
07900 217 264 
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Katie Pugh

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 2914

Email: Katie.Pugh@citigatedr.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. Crime Survey for England and Wales, Office for National Statistics, 2012/2013
2. Burglary to non-connected domestic garage/outhouse. Crime Survey for England and Wales, Office for National Statistics, 2012/2013
    

Privilege

Privilege Insurance specialises in car insurance for safe drivers (particularly those with four or more no-claims discount). It also offers home insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line.

Privilege 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.

Privilege and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk