How could I reduce the risk of burglary whilst on holiday?

Home Insurance Policy

Burglars are largely opportunists and homes which appear empty are easy pickings. To allow you to relax whilst on holiday, and to reduce the risk of burglary and subsequent insurance claims on your home insurance policy, here are a few tips to bear in mind:

• Remember to cancel milk/newspapers deliveries. Leaving a pile of milk bottles or newspapers on the doorstep or letterbox is an obvious way of attracting attention that you are currently away from your home
• Leave lights and possibly a radio turned on at low volume, in various rooms on timer switches
• Remove high value or attractive contents from windows, please be aware that all high value items need to be stated on your contents insurance policy. However, we do not provide contents insurance cover for specified items online Please contact Cover Direct on 0800 093 9983 if you require insurance cover for high value items
• Do not store empty discarded boxes and packaging outside, this only advertises that you have recently purchased a valuable item and also attracts attention to your home
• Store ladders in outbuildings/garages, if this is not possible try to chain these up so they cannot be used or taken
• Ensure all outbuildings/garages are secured and all tools etc. are out of sight
• Avoid a build up of post while you're away by using the 'KEEPSAFE' service from the Royal Mail. This helps you avoid that tell-tale pile of unopened mail whilst away
• Don't over publicise the fact that you are away on your holidays, you don't know who will overhear and who will find out
• Leave a key and your contact details with neighbours, friends or family so they can check your house regularly and if possible open and close the curtains on a daily basis. Also, if needed ask a Neighbour to park on your drive. It's essential to make your house look lived in whilst away
• If you are a member of a Neighbourhood watch scheme, ask a co-ordinator to keep an eye on your house for you
• This may seem obvious, but make sure that all windows and doors are secure, double check your home before you leave
• If you are planning a long trip abroad it is vital you let us know, simply call us on 0870 220 2753, lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday.

Instant Home Insurance

For an instant home insurance quote or to speak to one of our home insurance advisors please contact Cover Direct and we shall be happy to answer any questions you have about burglary or our home insurance cover.

Reduce the risk of Burglary

For further information on how you can reduce the risk of burglary try:
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/cppmwya.htm.