CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Dear Resident

Many of the thieves believe that our houses are at their most vulnerable over Christmas, when we're out meeting friends and leaving presents wrapped tantalisingly under the tree.

The risk of burglary doesn't end after the presents have been opened. The number of break-ins usually increases after Christmas, reaching its peak on New Year's Eve.

It's worth checking what insurance cover you have if the worst does happen. Many home contents policies automatically increase their cover during the festive season, but a quick call to your insurer will make sure you're protected for the extra goodies under your tree.

Top tips to reduce your chances of a Christmas burglary

·        Look at your house like a burglar would, Christmas is the only time of year when we advertise all the goods in our house to such an extent.

·        Don't hide your presents in obvious places like under the bed or in the wardrobe. Thieves are less likely to get into the attic.

·        Before wrapping presents jot down model and serial numbers. Keep receipts separate so you have a record and thieves can't return your items to the shop.

·        Don't put gifts under the tree, or if you do, pull your curtains!

·        After opening presents put your postcode on with a permanent marker to make them harder to sell on and therefore less attractive to thieves - they are also more likely to be returned to you by police if found.

·        Rip up present boxes and take them to the tip - they are an indication that a house has brand new and valuable contents.

·        Make it look like you're in when you're out at Christmas parties and don't make your house vulnerable - keep lights on, windows and gates locked, use alarms and keep a car in the driveway (according to the Home Office, no force is required in as many as a fifth of burglaries because doors and windows are left open)

·        Secure sheds just as well as houses - they contain just the tools a burglar needs to get into your house. Garden forks are particularly useful as are makeshift ladders like wheelie bins and trampolines so keep them chained up.

 

Christmas is a time when many of us are spending time away from home visiting family or traveling abroad to escape the winter chill. It is also a time when the house is full of valuable items such as gifts, food and wine. Because of this, Christmas traditionally sees an increase in domestic burglary, with criminals targeting homes when they are at their most vulnerable. Whilst home insurance may be the last thing on your mind during the busy festive period, it is essential that you protect your home with contents insurance for high value items.

According to research, burglaries rise by 63% during the winter months, a figure which has perhaps increased in recent years as a result of the recession. However, whilst the nation is still gripped by economic woes, Christmas spending remains high and December 2010 saw consumer spending reach £4.09billion. To most of us, this expenditure manifests as presents for the family or food and drink to share with friends, but to a select group of criminals this figure means more items to steal.

To avoid being a victim of festive theft, take a look at these tips for protecting your home this Christmas.

Insurance

On average, a British household will spend around £624 on presents and other seasonal products meaning the worth of your contents significantly increases. It is worth getting in touch with your insurer to find out whether your contents insurance policy covers you for these additions so that if the worst occurs your financial losses can be kept to a minimum. Some policies automatically increase your contents sum insured by 10% over the Christmas period – it’s certainly worth seeing whether your policy offers this.

Safe storage

With more luxury items in the home than any other month of the year, burglars and opportunistic thieves take to residential areas to prey on unsuspecting households and one of the first things they will look for is items under the Christmas tree. Try to avoid displaying gifts here and keep all items hidden in a bedroom or attic until Christmas Eve as this can make your home an obvious target.

Box disposal

Once all the gifts have been opened, steer clear of leaving the empty boxes and packaging in plain sight. This acts as a glaring advertisement to thieves and shows them all the valuable items you now have in your home. Post-Christmas can be just as bad for burglaries, so make sure you dispose of packaging responsibly by ripping it up, taking it to the tip and recycling.

Signs of life

Burglars will be on the prowl for homes that look empty during the Christmas period, so make sure there are signs of life about your household. If you are out for a night or perhaps going away for a few days, make it look like you are in by keeping lights on, or installing automatic timer-switches to come on at intervals. According to the Home Office, one fifth of all burglaries require no force as windows and doors are frequently left open, so always make sure everything is locked and your home is fully secure before you leave.

 Regards

 

PS WILTSHIRE

Trinity Ward