Home insurance - tips & advice - home security

Help reduce the risk of theft from your home – and save on your home insurance too!

• Fit deadlocks or key-operated security bolts to all external doors.
• Fit a good quality, approved alarm – look out for British Standard BS4737.
• Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible windows.
• Never leave keys in a lock, or a ‘secret’ hiding place like under the mat – burglars know where to look!.
• Check the identity of callers before opening your door fully – a chain or a ‘spyhole’ will help.
• Always lock up garden tools and ladders – they can be used to break into your home.
• Trim garden hedges so that doors and windows can be seen and no-one can hide.
• Make sure the area around your home is well lit.
• Always lock your shed or garage – especially if it has a connecting door to your house.
• Security-mark your valuables with your postcode, and photograph them if possible.
• If you are worried about anything, ask for a visit from your local Crime Prevention Officer.

If you are going away

• Cancel the milk and the papers and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check on the property and remove any mail that has piled up – especially if you have a glass door.
• Use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are out.

These tips are for information only. They do not form part of a policy or contract of insurance.