Insurance broker urges extra vigilance against summer theft

Following the start of British Summer Time at the weekend, insurance broker Towergate Risk Solutions has warned consumers and businesses to be extra vigilant.
The company said that the number of burglaries committed on UK properties and business premises could potentially increase dramatically during British Summer Time (BST).
As the evenings become lighter, summertime thieves will also target garden equipment including furniture, tools, barbeques and expensive plants.
Joe Thelwell Managing Director of Towergate Risk Solutions Poole said: "When the clocks go forward consumers and businesses should exercise extra vigilance when protecting their property especially during lighter and warmer evenings.
"Theft is about opportunity and history has shown that it can increase substantially during a recession. So homeowners and business owners should pay as much attention as possible to protecting their goods both inside and outside."
Towergate Risk Solutions gives homeowners a number of top tips to protect against theft:
* Look out for warranties in your particular insurance policy – these are conditions insurers need you to comply with to ensure cover is provided;* Check with your insurance broker to ensure your home insurance policy includes the contents of sheds, garages and other outbuildings;* Many burglaries happen while people are on summer holiday. Try to arrange for a neighbour, friend or family member to visit your house every couple of days to check everything is OK and show signs of life that could deter opportunists;* Ensure windows are closed whenever you are in not in the house;* Window locks are a proven and low cost deterrent to thieves so make sure they are fitted;* Don’t leave any items of value outside unnecessarily. Check around your property to check that any valuable goods are hidden and out of sight of opportunist thieves.

(Reproduced from Propertytalk Live)

GARDIEN TIP: Follow our Security Spring Clean advice at
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