More TH>N: Rise in domestic burglaries

Commenting on the four percent rise in the number of domestic burglaries, Pete Markey from leading home insurer MORE TH>N said: "The news that crime is on the increase comes just as families' finances are being stretched to the limit, so it's never been more important to make sure you do everything possible to safeguard your home. After all, replacing belongings after a break-in could be a real blow to your funds if you're doing it alone.

"Of course, making sure you have adequate contents insurance should be high on everyone's priorities list, but there are also a number of more practical measures you can take the stave off the burglars.

"Households most likely to be victims of burglary are those without security measures, followed by homes with a young head of household or lone parent households. As such, the best advice is to take sensible preventative measures, so homeowners should follow these simple security tips to reduce their vulnerability to a break in"

Fit door and window locks to British Standard and make sure you use them when you go out.

Don't leave keys on display, particularly near doors and windows where a thief may be able to hook the keys via the letterbox.

Use an ultra-violet security pen to mark valuables with your name/postcode.

Take wallets/purses containing credit cards, etc upstairs when retiring to bed.

If on holiday, ask a neighbor to check the property regularly and ensure post is pushed through the letterbox and not left on display.

Ensure side access gates have locks on them.

Use time switches to put lights on so that it looks like you are in even when you're not.

Remember garages and garden sheds are vulnerable as well, so ensure that they are kept locked with good quality locks.

MORE TH>N is currently offering all new buildings insurance customers £75,000 worth of contents cover free of charge. For more information, or a quote, visit morethan.com