Going on holiday?

According to government statistics, the number of people who have their house burgled each year is a staggering three-quarters of a million and this is a particular problem when people leave their houses unattended while on holiday.

Most thieves tend to be opportunistic, so there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to reduce the chance of falling victim while you are away. If you have a good relationship with your neighbours it would be a very good idea to get one of them to watch your house. Another option is to set your lights on a timer as this will make it appear that you are still occupying the property.

Fitting a good secure lock on the front door sounds like a very basic measure but it is also a very vital one. The statistics show that nearly 20% of all burglaries don't involve the use of force, so securely locking all doors and windows could well put off all but the most determined criminal.

An often overlooked problem is related to where you leave your keys while you're away. Many people still leave their keys under plant pots or even under the mat but this is equally known by burglars who will check these places, so make sure that you leave your spare key with a trusted neighbour or relative.

“If you’re leaving the house empty‚ as many people will be this summer‚ fit automatic timers to your lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home. Remember to cancel milk and newspapers if you have them delivered and perhaps ask a friend or family member to remove mail from view - piles of unopened post is a sure sign that the house is empty,” says Anthony Osborne from Age Concern.

All these measures are vital for reducing the risk of a break-in but the chance is still there and this is why it is vital to take out adequate home contents cover. Making an accurate inventory of your valuable possessions is one of the first steps you will need to take, as this will make it clear just how much cover you need. High-value electrical items such as flat screen TV's, DVD players and laptops are amongst the most sought after items for a burglar, so your contents cover should take into account their value.

“A good home insurance policy is a pre-requisite for protecting against the financial problems that burglary can bring‚ but it is not a substitute for basic security measures like fitting alarms‚ deadlocks on doors and high-quality window locks. Government figures show that households with no security measures are almost ten times more likely to be victims of burglary,” added Osborne.