Holiday break-ins make insurance "a must"

July is the worst month of the year for domestic burglaries with July 2003 seeing a ten per cent rise on the previous month, with half of all victims

08:07 15 July 2004

July is the worst month of the year for domestic burglaries with July 2003 seeing a ten per cent rise on the previous month, with half of all victims uninsured.

That's according to new figures from Lloyds TSB Insurance, which found last July had higher statistics than in the post-Christmas period - traditionally high in burglary rates.

With schools breaking up for the summer and families heading off on holiday, thousands of empty homes are left behind, providing thieves with their best opportunity of the year.

In total, a million homes are broken into every year, yet only half of these are insured.

The retail network director at Lloyds TSB Scotland, Mike Jones, said: "Coming back from holiday is hard enough without having to face a burgled house."

He added: "Leading up to the summer break it's all too easy to forget about domestic chores, but a few simple precautions can help prevent thieves swooping on your property while you're out of the country. And beyond these basic steps, insurance is a must."

Lloyds TSB advises, among other things that homeowners should ensure they have good quality window and door locks fitted and use them all the time.

Additionally, it makes the point that back doors can be particularly vulnerable, so people should make sure they are made of toughened glass if glazed and that it bolts at the top and bottom.

Having a timer fitted to interior lights helps to give the impression of someone being in, and an intruder alarm should definitely be fitted.

Finally, it advises that growing thorny plants up against the house can deter potential burglars.