Homeowners advised to assess security as clocks go back

This weekend the clocks will go back, officially signaling the start of British wintertime. Now is a good opportunity to check the security of your property, says leading home insurer MORE TH>N.

Annually, 729,000 household burglaries take place and the shortened days gives potential burglars an extended cover of darkness in which to commit these break-ins. It's important to make sure that preventative measures are in place to ward off such predators.

Head of MORE TH>N Home Insurance, Keith Maxwell commented: "Being burgled is an extremely distressing experience, so it's important to be safe and look to prevent situations that can aid a break-in. I would urge all homeowners to take the time to regularly review the security of their property."

MORE TH>N has issued the following security tips to help prevent burglary:

Front and back doors must be secure: if replacing locks, choose those that conform to British Standard 3621 or with a minimum of five levers - the better the lock the harder it will be for an intruder to make their way in.

Consider fixing a chain or bar to your front and rear doors, if you don't already have them.

Solid timber doors are the safest, as oppose to weak hollow-core doors

It's of utmost importance to lock all doors and windows when going out -even if just popping round to the corner shop - if there is no forced entry, your home insurer will be unlikely to pay out.

You should also lock doors when you're in the home, especially at night.

Don't leave keys in shelves or on tables near the door -burglars will often reach through the letterbox.

Around a third of burglars get in through the windows; if you don't already have window locks, think about fitting them - especially for windows that are easily accessible or close to ground level.

Never leave a spare set of keys outside, burglars know all the hiding spots, instead, leave keys with a trusted friend.

Lock your side gate to prevent easy access to the back of your house where burglars will be out of sight from the street.

Make sure you have a lock on garden sheds, particularly if they contain garden tools as these could aid a burglars entry to the property.

Outdoor lighting can give burglars less places to hide, the best to use is high-efficiency, low energy lighting that is turns on from dusk until dawn.

"Beware of the dog"! The thought of a barking dog can be enough to put off burglars, even if you don't own one, think about putting up a "Beware" sign.

Intruder alarms can be a good way of protecting your home, ensure that they are always activated when the home is unoccupied

Make sure your home contents insurance is up to date, and that you're insured for the correct amount. Many insurers require a notification of high-value items in the home.

For further information on MORE TH>N Home Insurance, visit morethan.com/home