Householders feel more at risk from burglary than ever before

One in seven UK householders say they feel more at risk of burglary than ever before since the economic downturn hit, according to research from Halifax Home Insurance.

And figures published recently show their fears are not unfounded, as the Home Office reports a 4% increase in domestic burglary between October - December 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. Despite this, many are still failing to take steps to protect their valuables properly, says Halifax Home Insurance.

One in seven feel at greater threat of burglary now than ever before

Despite this, one in five still don't bother to keep their valuables out of sight

One in six people surveyed say they have no home contents insurance

Recent research for the home insurer shows one in seven (14%) UK householders say they now feel at greater threat from burglary than ever before. The survey conducted for Halifax Home Insurance also revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) had been a victim of burglary at some time in their lives. Despite this, one in five people (20%) admit they never think about keeping valuable items around the home away from windows and out of sight of would-be burglars. Almost a quarter (22%) of those surveyed also said they don't bother to keep windows and doors locked when they are in the home, and one in six (17%) people have not taken out any home contents insurance.

Many are also unsure of the value of the contents visible through their front room windows, with over 52% giving a very conservative estimate of less than £5,000 and 15% admitting they have absolutely no idea about the value of their home contents on display.

Over the past five years, Halifax Home Insurance has received over 44,000 claims for burglary totalling more than £82 million to replace stolen items and repair damaged homes. According to Halifax claims data, 29% of burglary claims last year were for unforced burglary. Many of these would have been through open or unlocked windows and doors. Halifax warns householders that they are making it too easy for opportunist thieves to get their hands on small items of value such as handbags, car keys, MP3 players and mobile phones.

Senior claims manager Martyn Foulds said: "It is surprising to see that so many people are effectively advertising their valuables to thieves by leaving them visible through windows, and the fact that many are leaving windows and doors unlocked means it can be all too tempting for burglars to reach in and grab whatever they can. We'd recommend householders take a few moments before they leave the house, and before going to bed, to make sure valuables are out of sight."

Halifax Home Insurance offers the following tips to help householders make life harder for opportunistic thieves:

Keep valuables out of sight

Mark your property with an ultra violet pen to help police trace it if it is stolen

Keeping receipts of valuables can help in the even of a claim

Consider installing a safe for small valuables such as jewellery, watches and credit cards

Have any expensive items of jewellery valued by a reputable jewellery every three years

Fit visible, key operated window and door locks and keep them locked, particularly on the ground floor of properties.

Don't leave keys hidden outside as most burglars know where to look

Install a burglar alarm in a prominent place and always set it at night and when leaving the property empty.

According to Halifax Home Insurance's own claims data, the top ten hotspots for burglary last year were:

1 London
2 Manchester
3 Leeds
4 Enfield and Barnet
5 Grimsby
6 Harrow, Uxbridge and Wembley
7 Bromley and Bexley
8 Bradford
9 Bristol
10 Solihull and South East Birmingham

Halifax Home Insurance offers unlimited cover for buildings and contents meaning homeowners will never find themselves underinsured. For a fascinating insight into the nation's attitudes to home safety and security, read the Halifax Peace of Mind Report at halifax.co.uk/peaceofmind.