One in ten homes targeted by burglars in the last five years
- Figure rises to 13 per cent of London homes and 12 per cent of homes in the north
- Two thirds of householders (67 per cent) are enhancing their home security this winter
Research* from Direct Line Home Insurance shows that one in ten (10 per cent) households in the UK have either suffered burglary or an obvious attempted burglary in the last five years. This is equivalent to 2.4 million** homes being affected across the UK.
Direct Line’s Security Behaviours Research looked at the number of homes that had fallen victim to burglary in the past five years, as well as householder behaviours in response to the risk during the darker, winter months. It shows that Londoners suffered the most burglaries or attempted burglaries (13 per cent) followed by the North East and North West (12 per cent). Wales and the South West of England were the safest areas, suffering the least amount of theft or attempted theft from the home (6 per cent) during the five year period.
Many householders are making security enhancements as it gets darker outside (67 per cent). Nearly half (44 per cent) leave the lights on when they leave their home so it looks like there are people inside and over a third (35 per cent) ensure that their downstairs curtains and blinds are drawn when the lights are on so would-be burglars cannot look inside.
Despite Londoners experiencing the most burglaries, householders in inner cities are less likely to take extra precautions against burglary, with only a quarter (27 per cent) leaving the lights on compared to nearly half (46 per cent) of those living in villages or small towns. Additionally, only eight per cent of householders in inner city areas use security lights compared to 22 per cent of those living in rural areas.
Andrew Lowe, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, comments:
“Opportunistic thieves may well be on the prowl as winter approaches and dark nights close in. A few security improvements may prevent you from becoming a victim of burglary and keep your possessions safe. Our research shows people living in areas with a higher rate of burglary are less likely to carry out simple security enhancements such as locking windows at night.”
The research also shows that the majority of householders alter their personal security behaviours during the winter (59 per cent). Over a third (36 per cent) are more cautious about answering the door to strangers, a third (33 per cent) pay more attention to strangers on the street and over a fifth (22 per cent) make an effort to keep an eye out for neighbours and their possessions.
The over 55s are more likely to be cautious about answering the door to strangers (45 per cent) compared to the 18-34s (29 per cent). The over 55s are also more likely to keep an eye out for their neighbours and their possessions (30 per cent) than their younger counterparts (14 per cent).
For security advice including tips on securing your home, please visit: www.directline.com/home/home-security.htm
For further information please contact:
Simon Henrick
Direct Line
Tel: 0208 313 5741
Mob: 07833 166717
Email: simon.henrick@rbs.co.uk
Notes to editors
* Research conducted online on behalf of Direct Line by Opinium Research LLP between 3rd and 7th October 2008 amongst 2,063 respondents, representative of the UK Adult population. www.opinium.co.uk.
** Figure based on 24,431,000 households in the UK, taken from the article “Effects of taxes and benefits on household income, 2004/05”, published on the National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk/taxesbenefits and in the May 2006 edition of Economic trends. 10% of 24,431,000 = 2.4 million households
Direct Line offers the following home security tips:
- Fit deadlocks or key-operated bolts to all external doors and key-operated metal locks to accessible windows and install a good quality, approved burglar alarm
- Never leave keys in a lock or a ‘secret’ hiding place – burglars know where to look
- Lock up garden tools and ladders – they can be used to break in to homes
- Always lock sheds and garages – especially if there is a connecting door to the main house
- Security-mark valuables with a postcode and photograph them if possible
- Check the identity of callers before opening the door fully to them – a ‘spy-hole’ or a chain will help with this
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com
Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/
|
