July 2010

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Hidden keys, open windows, timid neighbours and Twitter all make life easy for a five minute clean sweep.

If you live in a detached home or bungalow, have a desirable car, keep your valuables in a bedside drawer and talk about your whereabouts on social media, then you fit the profile of the ideal break-in victim. That’s the verdict from the real experts: ex-burglars.

In the UK’s first research among reformed burglars, MORE TH>N reveals the targets and tricks of the trade that should be a wake-up call to every householder.

According to 90% of reformed thieves, household burglary is still an easy task that poses no real challenge – and all of those surveyed said there’s no such thing as an impossible job – but the new research reveals how householders inadvertently make their job even easier.

The majority of ex-burglars (68%) said they collected information about their target’s home and daily routine in advance of committing a crime. Hidden house keys (78%) – in obvious places such as under doormats and in plant pots – are the primary lapses that burglars will look for to make an entry. The other common mistake we make according to those in the know is leaving windows open (58%), especially during summer months when homeowners put a cooler house above security as their priority.

In addition to the above, criminals are increasingly embracing the latest social media trends to keep a track on potential targets. More than one in 10 (12% of the ex-burglars surveyed) said they would use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to easily pinpoint the whereabouts of a target and how long they would be away for.

A clue that a homeowner may only be out for even a short period of time – whether it is a post-it note on the door to an intended visitor or a Tweet that can be easily read by strangers – could be the essential information a burglar needs for a break-in. Time is a big factor in planning and conducting burglary and the research reveals a clean sweep of a home requires less than five minutes – according to 62% of ex-burglars.

The unique research commissioned by MORE TH>N Home Insurance also provides real and invaluable insight into the most effective forms of security.  Almost half of ex-burglars (40%) said nosey neighbours made little difference to their plans. In fact, 28% said neighbours are more likely to pretend not to notice rather than ‘make a fuss’ and call the police.  The safest form of security is the presence of a burglar alarm, followed by a dog or CCTV.

Other key findings include:

A third of ex-burglars (34%) believe homeowners keep their valuables hidden in bedroom drawers, 20% thought they’d be in a safe and 4% would check the fridge;
Car keys (34%) are the first items a burglar will look for; Bungalows (32%) and detached houses (30%) present the best burglary opportunities of all residential types, compared to flats (second floor upwards 4%) and semi-detached houses (2%); and
Leaving packaging of expensive new goods among the rubbish (20%) are other popular ‘adverts’ to burglars.

Former burglar-turned-Church minister Richard Taylor commented on the findings:

“Homeowners should sit up and take note of these results, the importance of home security cannot be overlooked, yet surprisingly many homeowners fail to take even the simplest precautions to protect themselves. Basic things like being more aware, having a burglar alarm fitted and even getting a dog can act as deterrents to thieves on the hunt for an invitation.”

MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey commented on the report:
“The research suggests that burglars still use tried and tested methods when it comes to breaking in to properties but that they’re keeping up with the times too. Using Facebook or Twitter to boast about a big night out or a fortnight in Barbados may impress friends and colleagues, but it’s enough to give the social-media savvy burglar all they need to know.

These findings also show there’s no such thing as a ‘safe house’ and that’s why security, common sense and insurance cover are essential. By exposing the tricks of the trade and the adverts to thieves in this report, we’re helping homeowners to protect their properties from thieves.”

MORE TH>N has issued the following security tips to help prevent burglary:

Front and back doors must be secure: if replacing locks, choose those that conform to British Standard 3621 or with a minimum of five levers – the better the lock the harder it will be for an intruder to make their way in.

Consider fixing a chain or bar to your front and rear doors, if you don’t already have them.

Solid timber doors are the safest, as oppose to weak hollow-core doors

It’s of utmost importance to lock all doors and windows when going out –even if just popping round to the corner shop – if there is no forced entry, your home insurer will be unlikely to pay out.

You should also lock doors when you’re in the home, especially at night.

Don’t leave keys in shelves or on tables near the door –burglars will often reach through the letterbox.

Around a third of burglars get in through the windows; if you don’t already have window locks, think about fitting them – especially for windows that are easily accessible or close to ground level.

Never leave a spare set of keys outside, burglars know all the hiding spots, instead, leave keys with a trusted friend.

Lock your side gate to prevent easy access to the back of your house where burglars will be out of sight from the street.

Make sure you have a lock on garden sheds, particularly if they contain garden tools as these could aid a burglars entry to the property.

Outdoor lighting can give burglars less places to hide, the best to use is high-efficiency, low energy lighting that is turns on from dusk until dawn.

”Beware of the dog”! The thought of a barking dog can be enough to put off burglars, even if you don’t own one, think about putting up a “Beware” sign.

Intruder alarms can be a good way of protecting your home, ensure that they are always activated when the home is unoccupied

Make sure your home contents insurance is up to date, and that you’re insured for the correct amount. Many insurers require a notification of high-value items in the home.

For more details of the MORE TH>N Home Insurance offerings, visit www.morethan.com/home or call 01737 815248.

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