Protect your tech from burglars
An increase in the number of high-value portable gadgets has contributed to a rise of more than 40% in the average cost of thefts from homes over the last three years, according to home insurer Zurich – that’s despite a drop in the number of burglary claims.
A new survey by Zurich found that if burgled, Brits said losing their laptops would have the biggest impact on their lives (40%), followed by mobile phones (32%) and televisions (20%).
Despite almost three quarters (74%) of people worrying about being burgled many are failing to take sensible precautions to protect their technology from being pinched. More than one in five (21%) never bother to hide valuables when leaving the house and 37% leave portable gadgets such as iPads and e-book readers easily accessible.
The survey by Zurich also found:
18% don’t have any additional security measures in place, such as alarms or CCTV cameras.
40% admit their main security measure is to ‘leave the light on’ when they go out.
Over the last year, 45% have spent nothing on protecting their homes, and a quarter have only spent £100 or less.
35% feel more at risk of burglary this time of year when the clocks go back and the evenings get darker.
Phil Ost, home insurance expert at Zurich said: “It’s the increase in easily portable modern technology which appears to be pushing up the cost of theft from homes. A few years ago, burglars would steal a few big items such as televisions and Hi-Fi’s. Now, it’s easier to pinch a number of high-value mobile items such as laptops, iPads and e-book readers which can fit easily into a rucksack.
“Protect the mobile tech you keep at home by hiding it away when you’re out. Laptops and hard drives store some of our most important data – pictures, music and documents – which might be irreplaceable if stolen.
”Returning home to find you’ve been burgled can be deeply traumatic. Prevent burglars from breaking in by making sure you have the best security possible, and use it – set alarms, bolt the garden gate and double lock doors.”
Zurich has joined-up with reformed burglar Michael Fraser4 to identify easy ways to protect your home from burglary:
1. Always keep your gate closed. A gate left slightly ajar or open is a signal to burglars you’re not particularly safety conscious and will make them think you’re probably lax about other security measures.
2. Always double lock your door. Traditionally a burglar will push the door using their foot and if it makes a little gap, they know it’s not double locked and can easily be broken into.
3. Don’t give burglars a reason to break-in. Always ensure valuables are kept out of sight and away from windows.
4. Photograph the rooms in your house. If a burglar ‘trashes’ your home, it can be hard to remember where items were placed and what exactly has gone missing. Photographs can also be useful when talking to your insurer about which items have been stolen.
5. Don’t tell burglars your house is empty. Don’t use social media to advertise when you’re away on holiday and avoid the temptation to update your location status while you’re away.
6. Don’t give burglars the keys to your house, car or shed. Hide all keys in a drawer; don’t leave them in view or in window locks.
7. Don’t give burglars a leg-up. Chain your wheely bins together as burglars use them to get through windows and for access to upper floors.
8. Shred all paperwork. Even an envelope which contains your name and address could allow burglars to clone you. This is particularly important now that many of us have detailed online profiles.
9. Don’t give burglars the tools to break into your home. All tools should be stored in a secure, locked shed.
10. Keep luggage in the loft. Burglars will use your suitcases and bags to take your possessions from your home
Michael Fraser added: “Burglars are lazy, cowardly human beings looking for a quick and easy option, so think about that when considering which security measures you have on your house.
“Think about how hard it would be to gain access to your home if you locked yourself out. If it wouldn’t take too long then your security measures aren’t good enough”.