Only Finance.com® Home security advice given before 'peak burglar time'

Home Insurance - Home security advice given before 'peak burglar time' - 28/09/2007

The darkening skies of this time of year, as well as children returning to school during the day, means that the next few months are "a peak time for burglars", the Guardian reports.

With this in mind, extra vigilance in security along with taking out home insurance cover, which would cover break-ins, seems more necessary than ever, the newspaper added.

Helen Wylde, a director at home security specialists ADT, advised British home-owners to install an alarm system worth at least £300.

"To be really effective, it should be a monitored system connected to your local police station or keyholder service, so that somebody knows your alarm has been triggered," she added.

"Otherwise it will just ring and ring, and nobody will do anything about it - that will cost you an initial £25 a month."

David Bruce at home insurance provider Halifax also offered advice.

"Using automatic timer switches to control your lights, marking items such as TVs and DVD players, and photographing valuables such as jewellery and ornaments" all came highly recommended by the firm.

"If you're going away, cancel the papers and ask a friend or neighbour to check on your property," Mr Bruce said.

The Guardian added that making a successful claim on home insurance policies depended on customers having taken these security issues into account - pointing out that lax habits such as leaving windows open and fitting flimsy locks could lead to funds being withheld.