The last thing most people will want to think about is coming back to find their home has been burgled. But, while we’re away, we really should be thinking about how secure our homes are — says mortgage and savings provider Birmingham Midshires.
Angela Oakley, spokesperson at Birmingham Midshires, explains: "When planning to get away on holiday don’t forget about home security. With sensible precautions you can make it a lot harder for a burglar to gain entry to your home and avoid the upset that follows."
Birmingham Midshires advises taking time-out now to ensure your home is secure. Together with checking that your insurance policy provides enough cover and is up-to-date, this could save thousands if the worst does happen.
"Check your home insurance covers you against every eventuality," continues Angela, "and once you’ve made sure your home is as secure as possible you can relax and have a welcome break."
Birmingham Midshires has developed Selections Home Insurance; a menu-based household insurance policy. Selections will appeal to households who want to protect their homes without paying for unnecessary cover. Policyholders only pay for the cover needed and a tiered bonus scheme is in place to reward careful policyholders. For more information on Selections Home Insurance, call 01902 302884.
To help householders secure their homes and reduce their premiums Birmingham Midshires’ specialist home insurance team has compiled some helpful home security tips:
SECURE YOUR HOME
* Install a burglar alarm, this is especially worthwhile if you have many valuables. Certain approved alarms can reduce your insurance premiums so check with your insurer first.
* If you’ve recently moved to a new property change all the locks — you never know who may still have the key to your house.
* Make sure you have a deadbolt lock for every external door — good locks are a must when deterring burglars. And your doors must be solid too.
* Your windows also need locks — especially on the ground floor, and in particular patio doors. Some insurers recommend certain locks so check with them before going ahead.
* Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home. Don’t leave the curtains drawn during the day as it shows no one’s in — ask your neighbour to draw your curtains at night and open them again in the morning — they can also collect your mail for you.
* Timers that turn your lights on and off will create an impression that someone is at home.
* Don’t leave a key in a ‘safe place’ for a thief to find — it’s their easiest way of entering your home.
* If you’ve got tools and ladders around your property, lock them away so a thief can’t use them to break in. Check your fences are secure and that your gate can be locked where necessary.
* Install security lighting on the outside of your house to deter thieves when it’s dark.
* Joining the local neighbourhood watch scheme may help to reduce the cost of insurance.
* Beware of suspicious callers — don’t invite strangers into your home, they could be posing as officials and if they don’t have identification make them wait outside and call the police.
* Don’t give out any information over the phone — again, the caller may be bogus and trying to find out when your house isn’t occupied.
* Keep receipts for expensive items that you buy — this will be helpful if the worst does happen.
