A recent survey has shown that the levels of domestic burglaries took place in the UK, last year rose. Despite the increase in cases, homeowners had also been found to not be checking their home security systems – a factor that could cut the chances of becoming a victim of a burglary.

The Home Office, released figures that indicated that the number of domestic burglaries have risen by four per cent in the three months to September 2008. This marks the biggest rise in seven years.

Higher number of burglaries

However, research from the home insurance provider, Legal &General has shown that a vast number of homes are fitted with a device of some sort. Almost 90 per cent of households are fitted with smoke alarm, while 85 per cent have window locks and 72 per cent have good quality locks on their doors.

However, around 37 per cent of homes are putting off home maintenance, while one in five – or 20 per cent – of home owners were said to be delaying plans to repair broken or malfunctioning windows and door locks. Moreover, 11 per cent of home owners simply ignored a faulty alarm system.

Ruth Wilkins, the head of communications for Legal & General's general insurance business, said: "A few simple checks could mean that our properties are safer. Installing an intruder alarm, good quality locks or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area are all good preventative measures to help keep our homes secure.

She added: "Plus, using approved security measures could also result in a discount on the cost of household insurance cover."

Lower premiums result from safety

Having a home fitted with an alarm system, has been statistically proven to lessen the chances of being a victim of a break in. The Crime in England and Wales 2007/2008 report stated that homes which have no security measures such as locks, flood lights or alarms, were 10 times more likely to be affected by burglary than those homes, which have protective measures such as window or door locks.

The figures show that without the protective measures, a home was 25 per cent more likely to be broken into, compared to a 2.3 per cent chance, if a home is fitted with locks or alarms.

Ruth Wilkins added: "It is very encouraging that there has been an increase on last year in the number of people that have security measures in their homes. People mentioned that they’ve made their homes more secure with new windows and quality locks. Although there were still a small number, 13 per cent, who mentioned that they still rely on a dog to protect their property.

Although 76 per cent stated that they feel just as safe in their home as they did five years ago, if people are not checking their safety and security measures, they may not be as safe as they think. A few simple checks could mean that our properties are safer and so prevent the need to make a claim under a household insurance policy.

In her continuation, Ruth added that having a safety device fitted in the home, could actually lower the home insurance premiums that a homeowner pays, which would be a double benefit as the home is made safer, while money is saved on the cheaper premiums.

She concluded by saying: “Installing an intruder alarm, good quality locks or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area are all good preventative measures to help keep our homes secure. Plus using approved security measures could also result in a discount on the cost of household insurance cover.”

The insurance provider, Legal & General suggested that homeowners should take preventative measures to limit the chance of having their home broken into. Keeping windows around the house locked, when it is unattended, along with using as many safety devices as possible were key points that the company highlighted.