Many of us have been enjoying having a slightly longer evening now the clocks have sprung forward, but homeowners have been warned this could lead to an increased risk of burglary.
According to Halifax Home Insurance, unforced burglary claims jumped by 56.9 per cent between March and April last year, and continued to rise each month until July.
By July 2018, the number of unforced burglary attempts had more than doubled compared with March (rising by 131.03 per cent), thanks to the longer, brighter evenings.
The insurance provider, therefore, reminded Brits to take extra care while they are in the garden, particularly when it comes to closing and locking their windows.
“As the weather gets warmer and homeowners spend more time outdoors, thieves can be quick to enter unlocked doors and windows, or access outdoor sheds or garages that aren’t properly secured,” Tim Downes, senior claims manager from Halifax Home Insurance, stated.
He noted that open or unlocked windows and doors are an “easy target for opportunistic burglars”.
It is even more important to keep your property safe if you are planning on moving soon, as Churchill Home Insurance recently revealed that 69 per cent of homebuyers are deterred by crime rates, Property Reporter stated.
The insurer’s latest research found that 2.4 per cent of house sales fall through due to buyers’ fear of crime, resulting in 29,082 failed property purchases per annum.
Homebuyers are particularly worried about local burglary rates, with 77 per cent being concerned about high figures and 11 per cent being extremely put off by them.
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