British homes at increased risk of burglary this Christmas

This year Brits are set to spend £11 billion on presents, decorations and festive food to fill their homes for Christmas time, which is an increase of 10 per cent from last year.

Unfortunately for consumers, burglars are switched on to our spending habits. According to statistics from MORE TH>N, consumers are 13 per cent more likely to be burgled during December than any other month of the year. The insurer is urging people to make sure their goods and homes are safe from prying burglars or any other seasonal catastrophes.

The MORE TH>N statistics show that the increase in burglary is highest during the early evening hours when it is dark but occupants have not returned home from work. Burglars are aware that in the run up to Christmas, houses contain extra goods such as electronics which are wrapped up in boxes and not plugged in, making them easier to remove and sell on. Often houses have their curtains open and their Christmas tree lights on, making it even easier for burglars to see what’s inside.

The average amount that consumers will spend on Christmas gifts this year is £390, with £163 spent on Christmas food; on average Christmas day costs £975 per household. The most popular gifts this year are music and clothes, with the top children’s toy predicted to be the "Bratz – Forever Diamondz" , costing around £25.

Mike Holliday-Williams, managing director of MORE TH>N, said: "We tend to splash out on presents and food at this time of the year and therefore have more valuable items in our homes. This should be a happy time but opportunistic thieves do strike during the festive season, so it’s really important people make sure they are doing everything they can to prevent burglary or other disasters in their homes."

To provide customers with peace of mind MORE TH>N automatically gives 10 per cent extra cover (£7,500) during the month of December to ensure these additional items are covered should the worst happen.

MORE TH>N is also issuing the following tips for protecting your home this Christmas:

Do not leave presents lying around in plain view

Close the curtains during the long dark December evenings

If you will be out in the early evening hours, use a timer on a main lamp so it looks like someone is home

If you stock up on extra food over the festive season, make sure your insurance policy covers you for freezer food should there be a power cut.

Make sure your home is secure over the holiday period if you plan to be away. Exterior doors should be fitted with locks conforming to the British security standard, and windows with key-operated locks. Patio doors need locks that prevent doors being lifted.

Remember to use them every time you leave the house.

If you are going away over the Christmas period, make sure you cancel the milk and papers and ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home, and lock any valuable items in a safe.

The festive period is very busy and the last thing you need to worry about is a domestic emergency so check whether your insurance policy covers you against this.

Check with your insurer to find out if they give you extra cover at Christmas. If not, it is worth shopping around for better cover.