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Safe as houses’ - keep homes secure this winter

16th December 2013 Print

Sainsbury’s Bank is encouraging people to ensure their homes remain secure this winter, as new research reveals that one in 10 Britons have left their front door unlocked at night or whilst the property was unoccupied in the past 12 months.
 
Sainsbury’s Bank has compiled a new home security guide, which offers simple tips on reducing the risk of being burgled. As Christmas approaches, the bank is also reminding families not to leave any empty packaging on display outside their home that could draw attention to valuable gifts inside.
 
As the evenings draw in, research from Sainsbury’s Bank highlights that a significant proportion of people are overlooking some of the most basic home security measures. In the past year, almost a quarter (23%) have left their home unoccupied with windows open, 9% admitted to leaving a front door key ‘hidden’ somewhere outside their home, and 9% have left conservatory doors unlocked at night or whilst the house was unoccupied.
 
The research also reveals that 15% of households have given three or more sets of keys to people who do not live in their home, such as neighbours and cleaners. This trend is particularly pertinent amongst younger households, with 18% of those aged 18 -24 saying their household has given seven or more sets of keys to non-residents.
 
With almost three quarters (72%) of people now using social media sites, Sainsbury’s Bank is reminding users to consider the security of their home when posting public messages and updates about their whereabouts that could highlight their property is unoccupied. When questioned, more than a third (33%) of people said they had updated their social media profile with details of their current location whilst away from home in the past year. In fact, 7% of respondents admitted to doing so once a day or more, rising to 23% of those aged 18-24.
 
David Barrett of Sainsbury’s Home Insurance said: “There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure their properties remain safe and secure. These become even more important in the darker winter months when the risk of crime and accidents is heightened, which is why we developed our home security guide.
 
“We’re urging people to take extra care when it comes to home security, and this applies to the basics like locking windows and doors but also when using social media sites, particularly with the festive season just around the corner, and people heading off to stay with friends and family for the Christmas and New Year period. We're also encouraging homeowners to make sure they have a good quality home insurance policy in place to ensure that should anything happen to their home, they are fully covered.”
 
Sainsbury’s Bank is currently offering 30% off home insurance premiums for all new customers who have 5 years claims free, and up to an extra 15% Nectar discount for Sainsbury's shoppers when purchasing any new cover.
 
To download a copy of the Sainsbury’s Bank Home Security guide, visit sainsburysbank/home-security-guide
 
Always ensure you have secured your property as if you don’t, it could affect your home insurance if you need to make a claim.