ABI: The sun is out and so are the thieves

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 12:00 AM

As much of Britain enjoys a hot, dry summer, the ABI warns householders that thieves also enjoy the sun. Open doors and windows, and homes empty while occupants are on holiday provide obvious targets for summer thieves.

Last summer insurers handled 78,000 domestic burglary claims - 1,250 claims every working day - paying out £84 million. These crimes are not only costly but also can cause a lot of stress and trauma to the victims. However, many of these burglaries could have easily been avoided by taking a few simple precautions.

The ABI's top tips to make homes safer during the summer holidays are:

Avoid leaving windows and doors open when you are not in your home - even if you are only out for a few minutes.

Do not leave ladders and tools that could be used to gain entry out in the garden at night or when the property is unoccupied - lock them in a secure garden shed, garage on indoors.

Check that any garden sheds are secure.

Keep car and garage keys out of sight of possible intruders.

When you are away from the home, use light timers to give the impression that the property is occupied.

When going on holiday, if possible ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your property. And remember to cancel any milk and newspaper deliveries.

Nick Starling, the ABI's Director of General Insurance and Heath, said:

"Everyone wants to relax in the sun, apart from burglars who are on the lookout for easy pickings. Insurance can of course provide financial compensation, but it cannot compensate for the trauma of a burglary. Being aware of the risks and taking a few simple precautions will ensure that you do not become a victim of summer thieves."

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Notes for Editors

Enquiries to:
Liz Forster 020 7216 7444 (Mobile: 07717 578 586)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

The ABI is the voice of the insurance and investment industry. Its members constitute over 90 per cent of the insurance market in the UK and 20 per cent across the EU. They control assets equivalent to a quarter of the UK's capital. They are the risk managers of the UK's economy and society. Through the ABI their voice is heard in Government and in public debate on insurance, savings and investment matters.

An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

More news and information from the ABI is available on our web site, www.abi.org.uk.

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