New research shows key to secure homes

6th July, 2005

A new survey has revealed that people who give out keys to their homes could be exposing themselves to burglary.

Research by insurer Zurich shows that one in seven people have given keys to friends, workmen and cleaners.

Furthermore, eight per cent of people do not know who actually has access to their home, while one in eight expose themselves to robbery by hiding keys in obvious places, such as under flowerpots.

Mark Winlow, managing director of Zurich UK Personal Lines, told Lifestyle Extra: "Always check with your insurer what cover is provided for replacement locks and keys as the limits for this often varies and replacing them can be extremely expensive."

With the survey suggesting that over half of people do not change their locks after moving house, this could prove sound advice.

The average burglary claim in the UK costs nearly £2,000 and Zurich had this additional advice for preventing burglary:

"Lock all external doors and windows when you go out and leave lights on and close the curtains if you go out after dark," it recommended.

It also warned to keep expensive possessions and items such as car keys out of sight and suggested investing in an automatic timer for lights.

 

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