LONDON, MANCHESTER AND WEST YORKSHIRE MOST AT RISK OF BURGLARY IN UK

Londoners are 61 times more likely to fall victim to domestic burglary in spring than those in Cumbria, and 36 times more than Norfolk* reveals Age Concern Insurance Services

[UKPRwire, Fri Apr 24 2009] Age Concern Insurance Services is warning homeowners to be extra vigilant this spring and ensure they protect their homes against break-ins, as the days get longer and people spend more time outdoors or away from home.

Research* shows that households in London are most at risk of being broken into, with 59,837 domestic burglaries reported to the Metropolitan Police last year. That’s 61 times more likely than those in Cumbria, which reported just 834 burglaries and 36 times more than Norfolk with 1,618 burglaries reported. London is closely followed by Manchester (21,451) and West Yorkshire (18,700).

According to figures**, households with no home security measures are around ten times more likely to have been victims of burglary than those with simple security measures in place, such as deadlocks on doors or window locks. Last year, over 320,000 Brits claimed £356million on their insurance after becoming a victim of domestic burglary***.

Joe Young at Age Concern Insurance Services says: “We know that as the days get longer and the weather becomes milder in spring, older people are able to get out and about more, visiting friends, family and neighbours. It is so important that extra precautions are taken so that people don’t fall victim to break-ins when leaving their house unoccupied.

“As well as ensuring your home is adequately protected against a possible burglary, by taking out a home insurance policy you will be financially protected should you become a victim.”

Age Concern Insurance Services and the Police have a five point plan to help older people protect their homes against burglary this Spring:
• Never leave a spare key under the door mat or a plant pot as these are the first places a burglar will look
• Remember to double lock all windows and doors when you leave the house
• Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers if you are away for a long period of time
• Set your burglar alarm. If you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief
• Enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries

Age Concern Insurance Services offers Home Insurance policies that are designed for customers over 50 years of age. It is also one of the few schemes to allow a very low minimum sum insured, allowing older people with fewer possessions to pay only for the cover they need. Age Concern Insurance Services also offers the flexibility to spread the cost of insurance by paying in instalments at no extra cost****. For more information, visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/homeinsurance.

For a free, no-obligation quotation or immediate cover call 0845 602 9183^. Calls are charged at a local call rate. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm, and on Saturday from 9am-5pm.

Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to the Age Concern charity, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity campaign for the well-being and rights of older people.

Age Concern Enterprises is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation.