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Burglary warning as lockdown eases

Emma Lunn
Written By:
Emma Lunn
Posted:
Updated:
22/03/2021

Spring ‘could feel like Christmas for burglars’ due to the number of items Brits have bought during lockdown, according to Crimestoppers.

Research commissioned by John Lewis Home Insurance among 2,000 UK adults found that since the pandemic started 71% of us have purchased new items such as gym equipment, tablets and TVs.

Brits spent an average of £4,338 buying these items, with 8% of people spending between £5,000 and £30,000.

The vast majority of those surveyed (86%) said that they are already planning to go out if lockdown measures are eased in April. Meeting friends outside and eating out are the things we most want to do. Nearly a third (29%) are planning to go away.

But despite acquiring more valuable items, more than half of those surveyed (59%) said they didn’t adjust their home insurance policy.

The survey also found that nearly one fifth (18%) of households decided not to renew their home insurance over the past year. The reasons for going without home insurance included there was always someone at home (8%), they forgot to renew (10%), and they didn’t think they had to (10%).

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Having your home burgled can be not only a costly experience but also emotionally traumatic. As we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial that we all ensure our homes are as secure as possible. This spring could feel like the Christmas burglars didn’t have last year, because we stayed at home.”

Ali Berryman, head of financial services at John Lewis, said: “Over the last 12 months, out of necessity we’ve turned our homes into offices, gyms and places to entertain ourselves – and we’ve spent lots of money making this happen.

“The vast majority of us are already making plans to leave our homes once lockdown restrictions are lifted and we want people to do that knowing that their new possessions are protected.

“It’s incredibly common for us to forget to add new valuable items to our home insurance, with well over half of those surveyed saying they didn’t adjust their policy after making large purchases.”

Tips to keep your home safe

  • Fit burglar alarms with flashing lights and sounders at the front and back of your property.
  • Switch lights or a radio on when you go out. You can buy timer devices to do this automatically.
  • Even if you’re only going out for a few minutes, check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
  • Make sure side and back gates are secure.
  • Don’t leave garden tools outside, keep ladders out of sight and ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked.
  • Fit tamper-proof automatic outside security lights.
  • Even when you’re at home, try not to leave accessible windows open at night.
  • If you’re going away on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home, take in any deliveries and consider parking on your drive.
  • Watch out for distraction burglaries, where more than one person calls at your door, trying to dupe you into letting one caller in to burgle you whilst you are distracted by another one.


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