Festive spirit rules over home security
Home security is not a major concern for people in the UK over the Christmas period, as basic guidance such as keeping valuables out of sight goes out the window when the Christmas tree goes up.
Research by Direct Line Home Insurance reveals that one in four people keeps their newly acquired gifts under the Christmas tree, where burglars are most likely to look. A further 74% keep them in an unsecured wardrobe or cupboard which, while safer than under the tree, is still one of the more common storage spots likely to attract a burglar's attention.
Typically, each adult says they will buy gifts for ten members of their family and close friends, totalling an average of £363. With an adult population of 50,000,000 people in the UK, this means a massive £18,000,000 worth of presents is at risk if thieves are not kept at bay.
Andrew Lowe, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, comments: "Despite an ongoing recession, people in the UK aren't feeling too much of a crunch on their festive shopping. People are being selective about how they spend their festive budgets, even if it means trimming gift lists and setting prudent targets for their spending. Only a very few people have called off presents altogether, and although money is tight for many, spending less means that they are still able to treat their loved ones to a little something special."
Other findings from the research:
Men buy an average of eight presents, while women buy an average of 12, a full 50% more
24% of adults say they will spend less this Christmas than last, compared to just 14% who say they will spend more.
68% of those spending less say they are doing so because they simply cannot afford it
When given a present they don't like, 45% of people smile and say it's just what they wanted
Lowe continues: "With British adults spending nearly £400 each on gifts, many householders will find the value of their possessions has increased once they've stored their gifts for others and unwrapped their own. Getting finances in order is a priority for many people's New Year's resolutions, and included in that goal should be a re-assessment of the value of the contents within their home to make sure that they have enough insurance should their favourite things be lost, stolen, or damaged."
From 1st December to 15th January, Direct Line increases its home contents insurance by 5% of the sum insured to cover Christmas gifts stored in the home.
Visit directline.com for further information.