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Extra mile
Your online magazine from Kwik Fit insurance
Boom time for burglars in recession
The current economic climate spells doom and gloom for most people, but not so for burglars, according to a recent study from Abbey.
During the last economic downturn, domestic burglaries rose by a huge 38.8%, a worrying trend that could be repeated in 2009.
The problem is compounded by many Britons under-insuring their household contents by an average of almost £10,000, according to another survey, this time from AXA.
Fortunately there are a few simple steps – including re-evaluating the amount of home cover – that most households can take to minimise their risk.
- Keep it hidden – don't leave valuable items lying around offering temptation
- Waste management – cardboard packaging is a dead giveaway to what's stashed inside, so take it straight to the tip
- Anyone home? – leave a radio on and invest in timer switches to give the impression the house is occupied
- Don't make it easy! – hide away ladders, and burglar-proof your garden with thorny bushes and securely locked gates
- Visibly secure – make it clear that you have window and door locks and consider investing in security alarms and lights
