Money News
Properties across the UK are being left ripe for burglary this Spring as nearly six million homeowners reveal they can break into their own home. New research from Zurich Insurance shows that 32% of homeowners surveyed believe they could break into their own home - and one in ten have actually done so.
The study also reveals that among those who've broken into their own home, 67% did so in less than 15 minutes, with 28% able to do so in under 5 minutes. And apparently it's as simple as climbing through an open window (37%) while the more resourceful have retrieved a key with a makeshift hook (4%).
The findings come as Zurich launches a new website, www.BreakinBritain.co.uk, which offers users a burglar's-eye-view of property, highlighting the common security risks in the home.
Despite nearly half of those who've broken into their own home (48%) saying they're concerned by the ease with which this was done, many reveal that their home security is often compromised simply by their, or their family's, own lax attitudes. One in six (17%) say that forgetfulness jeopardises their property, whilst 15% think that complacency increases their property's risk. Meanwhile, 57% admit to basic security lapses, such as leaving windows open while going out (12%) and leaving keys in locks (18%).
The study also included a separate survey of burglars, with the majority (87%) saying that most break-ins are actually opportunistic. The most common mistakes householders make include leaving a window open, not having a burglar alarm, making it obvious that the house is empty and leaving the backdoor open or unlocked, giving burglars an open invitation to enter the house.
Deterrents the ex-lags say put them off include simple measures such as installing window locks on old windows, keeping valuables out of sight, putting lights on a timer switch and having external security lights.
Reassuringly, traditional British neighbourly values are still prominent as deterrents to criminals as well, with over half (56%) of homeowners saying they get a neighbour to check on their properties daily when they're away. Two fifths (39%) also get their neighbours to pick up their post and other deliveries - a wise move, as two thirds of burglars (64%) said this simple step would deter them from targeting homes.
Reformed criminal, now probation officer, Bob Turney, agrees that thieves look to capitalise on householders mistakes:
"Burglars want an easy way in - and most burglaries are simply a result of thieves taking advantage of householders who've left their homes wide open and there for the taking. Windows left open, shoddy locks, or when it's blatantly obvious that people are away, are some of the most common mistakes made.
"And if you know that your home security isn't what it should be and can break into your own property in less than five minutes, a professional burglar can do it in half the time," he says.
28 April 2008 © Moneyextra.com
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