Top tips to keep your home safe

As the nights draw in and we enter the winter months, it’s time to think about ways to protect your home from being burgled.

In partnership with Neighbourhood Watch, we’ve created a report that reveals 1 in 3 adults have been a victim of neighbourhood crime (data collected October 2019).

Whilst there is clearly a financial impact of neighbourhood crime, our research also shows that there is a lasting emotional impact on those targeted.

Crime hotspots

We found from our claims data that people living in London are the most likely to be a victim of home contents theft. Carlisle and Manchester follow close behind.

When to be on guard

Our claims data has also shown Fridays in November are most popular times for burglars to strike, with a 35% increase when the clocks go back.

Of those who have been burgled, 1 in 4 said it took place during the night.

Top tips

We've pulled together some handy advice to help you protect your home during the winter:

• leave a light on when out or invest in a light timer
• install exterior security lights at the front and back of your property
• invest in a CCTV system, if possible
• don’t post locations on social media sites
• make sure doors and windows are locked
• set burglar alarms
• ensure outbuildings/sheds are secured
• hide valuables from display
• never put car keys within reach of a letterbox
• don’t leave ladders outside your home