Leading insurance company churchill, has warned those consumers setting off on being away of the possibility of coming home to find that their property has been burgled. Recent statistics released by the company show, ten per cent of holidaymakers returned from being away to find that their home had been burgled and household items had been stolen. A large number of of those interviewed stated that a burglary had occurred during the time of a short stay away or a day trip. For most cases, the average total of items stolen was 3,288 pounds. DVDs and CDs were the most commonly stolen things, 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 not covered by their insurance policy, getting a replacement item could turn out to be expensive. Taking out a cheap homeowner loan may be of assistance in getting the funds necessary to get a household in order again.
Churchill indicates a changing pattern in the things that thieves are looking to steal. It reports that objects commonly stolen such as Tvs and stereos are being targeted less, with opportunistic burglars instead opting to steal more portable things. Credit cards, cheque books and money were identified as the third most commonly taken item, which added up to for 42 per cent of household objects stolen. However, 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 contents insurance. However, for those who are concerned about the theft of objects of sentimental value, the company recommends investing in improved property security systems. For those seeking to fund the installation of security devices 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 house 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 house has been burgled is an awful experience for anyone to endure. Although insurance will not prevent burglary, it can provide reassurance that the monetary value of anything stolen is covered. We would urge houseowners to ensure their contents insurance is fully up to date and high-value items are individually listed. Plus, there are a few easy house security steps that can help keep houses and their contents protected.”
The group also suggested a number of other ways to limit the likelihood of being the victim of a burglary. Turning on lights and drawing curtains in the evening was suggested as an effective way to create the appearance that household was inhabited. Those looking to be away for over 30 days however, the firms urged holidaymakers to consider putting valuable things 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.
