- 23
- May
Insurance services provider Churchill has warned those consumers heading off on holiday of the risk of returning to find that they have been burgled.
According to statistics released by the group, one in ten people have come back from holiday to find that their home had been broken into and household items had been stolen. Many of those interviewed stated that a burglary had occurred during the period of a short break or a day trip. In each incident, the average total of items stolen was 3,288 pounds. DVDs and CDs were the most commonly stolen items, accounting for 44 per cent of all thefts, while jewellery was close behind with 43 per cent.
For those who have had items stolen that are outside the cover of their insurance policy, replacing the item could prove costly. Taking out a low-cost homeowner loan may be of assistance in providing the financial backing necessary to get a property in order again.
Churchill identifies a changing trend in the items that thieves are looking to take. It reports that items considered commonly stolen goods such as TVs and stereos are being targeted less, with opportunistic thieves instead opting to take more portable items. Credit cards, cheque books and cash were identified as the third most commonly taken item, which collectively accounted for 42 per cent of household goods taken. Meanwhile, kitchen apparatus was stolen in just nine per cent of thefts identified in the study.
Following the publication of the statistics - which were compiled by RBS Insurance and involved 2,213 interviewees - Churchill highlights the importance of taking out adequate home insurance protection. However, for those who are worried about the theft of items of sentimental value, the company recommends investing in improved home security systems. For those looking to finance the fitting of protective mechanisms such as cameras, security lighting or a garage, taking out a homeowner loan may prove a prudent course of action.
Indeed, the Churchill study noted that 19 per cent of people had returned home to find family heirlooms stolen, with 28 per cent of respondents saying that they had felt an emotional attachment to the items.
Claire Foster, spokesperson for Churchill Insurance, commented: “Arriving back from a holiday or a quick break to discover your home has been broken into is an awful experience for anyone to endure. Whilst insurance cannot prevent burglary, it can provide reassurance that the monetary value of anything stolen is covered. We would urge homeowners to ensure their contents insurance is fully up to date and high-value items are individually listed. Plus, there are a few simple home security steps that can help keep homes and their contents protected.”
The group also released a number of methods to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary. Opening curtains and taking in newspapers was suggested as an effective way to create the appearance that property was inhabited. For those who planned on being away for more than 30 days meanwhile, the firms urged people to consider putting expensive items into storage for the duration of their trip.
Elsewhere, the Association of British Travel Agents has recently suggested that for those planning a trip away, travel insurance was a vital consideration. The group asserted that while it might be viewed as costly, it would be “extremely foolish” to travel with out it.
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