Avoid becoming a victim of burglary this Christmas with these security tips

With houses full of the latest gadgets and gizmos waiting to be wrapped up for Christmas, it’s no wonder that December is a premium time for thieves.

According to research by Confused.com, 72 per cent of people in the UK worry about becoming a Christmas burglary victim.

Statistics themselves show there is a 63 per cent increase in burglaries over the winter months with an average spree costing the home owner around £2,623.

To combat the Christmas crime wave, Confused.com is working with an ex-burglar and a home security expert to help families avoid the pitfalls.

Home Security expert, Michael Fraser says: “There are simple measures home-owners can take to minimise the risk of burglaries. For instance, the research revealed that the living room is the most valuable room in their house; it’s also a popular target for burglars. So I would advise people not to put presents under the Christmas tree until the last possible moment and closing the curtains can also help. Think carefully about where you place your valuables, make sure that they are secure and your home insurance covers you for any losses should the worst happen.”

Michael Fraser’s top ten tips to avoid break ins are:

1. Don’t leave door keys in obvious hiding places such as underneath a pot or a mat or dangling in the letterbox. Thieves know all the tricks.

2. Keep hedges at the front of the property low – don’t give the burglar the cover he requires.

3. Paint drainpipes with anti-climb paint and install motion sensitive security lighting around the exterior of the property.

4. Fit a brightly coloured burglar alarm and place high up and prominently to the exterior of your house.

5. Always lock up tools and garden furniture that will help a burglar break in.
 
6. Always shred confidential paperwork before disposing of it.

7. Take dated photographs of your rooms so that in case you are the victim of a burglary, you can provide photographic evidence of your contents.

8. Keep suitcases in your loft or attic as these can be used to carry valuables away.

9. Make sure your presents and receipts aren’t visible from outside and don’t keep the presents all in one place – make it difficult for the burglar.

10. Make sure you have a good insurance policy to protect yourself if the worst does happen

Confused.com, found the average family spend on presents this Christmas was between £250 and £500.

The top hiding places for gifts in the run up to the big day was: under the bed (34 per cent), behind the wardrobe (30 per cent) and the attic (19 per cent).