Daylight robbery

Summer is a peak time for thefts with more burglaries occurring whilst someone is at home and with afternoons (noon to six) the second most popular time for thieves to strike warns American Express Insurance.

Joanne Field, Marketing Manager, American Express Insurance Services explains: “Summer tends to be the peak time for burglaries for two reasons; firstly, professional burglars are able to strike whilst householders are on holiday and secondly, homes and gardens are generally more open providing more chances for the opportunist thief.”

To minimise the risk American Express has compiled some steps to help deter burglars:

1. Fit a NACOSS approved burglar alarm. Good insurers will discount your household insurance with each protective measure you take. American Express offer discounts of up to 10% for households with alarms and up to 5% for approved door and window locks.

2. Don’t leave doors and windows open if the home is unattended. If a window is wide enough to get a human head through, a burglar can gain entry. Even if you are simply in the garden it is worth turning your alarm on.

3. Good insurers like American Express offer a discount if you join an active neighbourhood watch scheme – not only will you have more people looking out for your home, but you will also receive further advice on how to protect it.

4. Cancel newspapers and milk, so not to advertise your property is unattended.

5. Use timer switches for lights, radios and even curtains, so your property looks and sounds occupied.

6. Marking valuables with a postcode pen and displaying a sticker showing you have done this can act as a deterrent to thieves.

7. Finally, you should always ensure that you have a good quality insurance policy to protect yourself if the worst does happen.

If you would like more information about household insurance and discounts for burglar alarms and neighbourhood watch, visit americanexpress.co.uk/home.