Top ten burglary hotspots in the UK

Try to keep your valuable items out of sight. Small things such as closing your curtains at night can make a huge difference. Also, when you make a new purchase (a new television perhaps), don't leave the packaging outside your home for days. Wait until the morning when your refuse collectors visit to put packaging outside your home.

Make entry difficult

It sounds simple, but this is something which is often overlooked. Make life difficult for opportunist burglars. Lock all of your windows and doors securely when you go out, even if it is only for a few minutes. Never leave your house keys in the lock and keep them out sight from the letterbox. Also ensure that you tidy away and lock up any tools or ladders you may have lying around your property. These can easily be used to help a burglar to enter your home.

Security devices

Home security devise such as lights and alarms can help to deter some burglars.

When you research home security devices, it is worth checking with your insurance company to see which accreditations and products they recognise. This is not only a sign that the devices will stand a better chance of preventing a burglary, but it should also lower your home insurance premium.

Going on holiday

Any time you spend away from your home leaves you vulnerable to a break in. It can quickly become obvious that you're on holiday to anyone who has studied your daily routine for a short period of time. Whether you realise it or not, you probably close your curtains, move the car and make quick trips out of the house as similar times each day. When this routine is broken and things appear to be static, an opportunist thief is more likely to strike.

The trick here is to make your home look like it is being lived in when you're away on holiday. Use timers on radios and lights to give the impression that there's life inside your home. Cancel milk and newspapers. You can also ask a trustworthy neighbour to keep an eye on things.

Tracing your stolen items

If the worst happens and you become a victim of a burglary, you'll want to be able to trace any items which surface in the future; however unlikely this may seem. Keep a record of your security marks on valuables and photograph items to prove your ownership as well as their condition. These can help when making a home insurance claim as well as identifying recovered items from the police.

Inform your insurance provider

If you have carried out some home improvements or invested in some new gadgets you must contact our insurer to make sure that your sum insurer for both building and content insurance age up to date. Remember to inform your insurer of any new security measures as they may offer you a lower home insurance premium.