The lighter spring days are a welcome reduction following months of darkish winter evenings, and many individuals will probably be gearing as much as spend extra time open air.
This typically means transferring objects comparable to backyard furnishings, gardening gear and barbecues outdoors, plus kids’s toys and bikes. As we transfer in the direction of summer time, individuals may be extra prone to depart home windows and sheds open too – and opportunistic thieves might be ready to strike.
Halifax House Insurance coverage recorded a soar of simply over 23% in theft claims in spring 2022 (March to Could) in contrast with the winter months of December 2021 to February 2022.
It additionally noticed a 22% soar in theft claims throughout spring 2022 in contrast with the identical interval in 2021.
“We regularly see a rise in claims for unforced burglaries when the times get lighter as thieves are almost certainly to observe the trail of least resistance, utilizing open home windows and doorways to get into properties,” says Tim Downes, a senior claims supervisor at Halifax House Insurance coverage.
With some individuals planning getaways because the climate will get hotter, Downes notes that “taking a couple of easy steps will help stop burglaries”.
Listed here are some ideas from Halifax House Insurance coverage to assist households defend their property over the hotter months…
1. Lock up
Safe entry to your house and backyard by closing and locking doorways and home windows at evening or when out and about, and utilizing inner bolts or padlocks on backyard gates to verify undesirable entry can’t be simply gained.
2. Tag it
Mark objects with an ultra-violet pen to assist hint them if stolen.
3. Lock objects away
Put away instruments and gear that might be used to interrupt into properties, and lock away objects comparable to backyard ornaments, furnishings and bikes when they aren’t getting used.
4. Conceal objects from sight
Keep away from leaving spare keys to the house or outbuildings in apparent areas, comparable to underneath plant pots beside doorways. Thieves can predict the place they may be hidden, so don’t make it simpler for them.
5. Be careful for shady behaviour
Do not forget that planting tall timber or shrubs round a backyard gate can present the proper cowl for thieves.
6. Backyard cowl
Ensure you have satisfactory residence insurance coverage, which additionally consists of belongings within the backyard, so if the worst does occur, you can be lined.
