The Government has promised a £20 million crime prevention fund to increase security measures for the vulnerable - but research from a home insurance provider shows that simple steps by property owners could drastically reduce the risk of crime.
With a four per cent rise in domestic burglaries, homeowners are being urged to protect their properties to avoid home insurance claims. Failure to secure your home properly could even lead to a home insurance claim being thrown out for negligence - such as if you leave a door or window open while the property is unoccupied.
Clearly preventing a crime is important - though home insurance is a safety net in case the worst happens it's best to avoid claims to build up a no-claims bonus which can be worth as much as 75 per cent over five years with some providers and to avoid paying the policy's excess. So what measures can homeowners take?
One step is to fit deadlocks and key-operated bolts to all external doors. Don't overlook windows either - key-operated locks should be installed to any accessible windows and you should ensure that keys are kept out of sight. Whenever you leave the home, carry out a quick spot-check to ensure you have locked up appropriately and never leave keys in a 'secret' hiding place such as under a doormat or plant pot, as thieves know where to look.
Taking care of outbuildings is important too - and each should be secured with a padlock. Make sure you put away any garden tools and ladders before nightfall as they can be used to gain access to a property.
Check the identity of any callers before opening a door - either by using a spy hole or a chain. If the worst does happen and you are burgled, it will help if you have security markings on valuables as this will increase the chances of them being returned. Take photographs of valuables too, to assist with home insurance claims.
Remember that taking steps to improve security can help you earn cheap home insurance Most home insurance providers will offer discounts if you fit approved alarm systems, time-switch lights and join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gregory
With a four per cent rise in domestic burglaries, homeowners are being urged to protect their properties to avoid home insurance claims. Failure to secure your home properly could even lead to a home insurance claim being thrown out for negligence - such as if you leave a door or window open while the property is unoccupied.
Clearly preventing a crime is important - though home insurance is a safety net in case the worst happens it's best to avoid claims to build up a no-claims bonus which can be worth as much as 75 per cent over five years with some providers and to avoid paying the policy's excess. So what measures can homeowners take?
One step is to fit deadlocks and key-operated bolts to all external doors. Don't overlook windows either - key-operated locks should be installed to any accessible windows and you should ensure that keys are kept out of sight. Whenever you leave the home, carry out a quick spot-check to ensure you have locked up appropriately and never leave keys in a 'secret' hiding place such as under a doormat or plant pot, as thieves know where to look.
Taking care of outbuildings is important too - and each should be secured with a padlock. Make sure you put away any garden tools and ladders before nightfall as they can be used to gain access to a property.
Check the identity of any callers before opening a door - either by using a spy hole or a chain. If the worst does happen and you are burgled, it will help if you have security markings on valuables as this will increase the chances of them being returned. Take photographs of valuables too, to assist with home insurance claims.
Remember that taking steps to improve security can help you earn cheap home insurance Most home insurance providers will offer discounts if you fit approved alarm systems, time-switch lights and join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gregory
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