Holidaymakers Advised How to Avoid Burglary

Holidaymakers have been advised of measures they can take to reduce the risk of their home being burgled while they are away.

According to insurance firm Direct Line, holidaying homeowners should arrange for friends or neighbours to pay regular visits to their properties and collect their mail.

Head of Direct Line home insurance, Andrew Lowe, insurance, said: "There are a number of simple measures people can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft while away on holiday.

"Curtains should be drawn and valuables placed out of sight. If you are a member of the neighbourhood watch, you should inform your fellow members and neighbours that you will be away."

Figures released by the Home Office have revealed that burglaries in England and Wales fell by 59 per cent in 2006 compared with 1995.

In 2006 the police recorded 292,285 domestic burglaries and 329,759 non-domestic burglaries.

Furthermore, a Homeserve study published in April 2008 found that 60 per cent of Britons have experienced a home emergency in the last year.

Travel Industry News posted on 02/05/2008 13:00:32