Ryan Insurance Group Ltd - Insurer fears burglary rates could rise by 50%

Last year there were over 280,000 burglaries according to the Home Office* - so we could see an increase of more than 140,000 burglaries nationally by December. Norwich Union estimates this means UK homeowners face losing over £421 million of stolen belongings.**

But the insurer believes that by taking simple security measures homeowners can reduce their risk and prevent the prediction from becoming a reality.

Norwich Union has been working with the Home Office on their campaign to highlight the importance of home security. In a bid to help advise homeowners on the risks and weak spots around their home, it has analysed claims data*** to discover what the prime targets are for thieves.

Stolen jewellery:
Rings represent 33% of jewellery stolen with three-stone rings being the most popular. Watches are the second most targeted item (25%) followed by earrings (22%) and necklaces (17%).

75% of burglaries also involve damage to your property, caused by the burglar getting in and out.
Jemmying open doors and windows with crow bars is still the most popular form of break-in.
Surprisingly burglars still target the front and then back doors first. Homeowners make it easy by either leaving them unlocked or not properly secured!
Rear ground floor windows, patio and French doors and garage doors are also common targets.

Repeat victimisation
Sadly it is quite common for victims of burglary to be targeted again - homes are full of newly replaced belongings and often security hasn't been improved at the property.

Nearly 3% of Norwich Union customers who have been burgled since 2006 have been targeted again.
The average time between each burglary was around 8 months
A handful of customers were burgled three times with the third claim occurring 3 months after the second crime.

It might seem basic, but make sure you lock your doors and windows properly when you're not home. If you have special window locks or padlocks on sheds or garages, use them!
Don't leave valuable items on display - thieves are like magpies and will notice that sparkly ring on your window sill.
Don't leave tell tale clues that you might not be home, like a build up of milk bottles, parcels or post. If you're going away, cancel deliveries and ask a neighbour to do a quick check of your home every couple of days and install timers to switch lights or radios on and off automatically.
Stay tidy - faulty fence work, loose gates, rubbish in the front garden, all give the impression that your home could be an easy target. A well cared for property and garden provides another psychological barrier to the burglar, so trim hedges, repair woodwork and brickwork - remember to put away anything that can be used to gain entry including tools, ladders and DIY debris.
Of course insurance is there if the worst happens - standard home insurance policies do cover you for burglary. Buildings insurance will cover any damage to your property; contents insurance will cover stolen or damaged belongings.

*Between July 2007 to June 2008 there were 280,704 burglaries in England and Wales - Home Office statistics. An increase of 50% this year equates to an extra 140,352 burglaries - 421,056.
**The average cost of a theft claim according to Norwich Union claims data is £1000 equating to a total of £421million
*** Norwich Union claims data 2008

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