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Press release


800,000 UK households the victims of holiday robbery


New research from Direct Line Home Insurance* reveals that 800,000 households** (16 per cent) have been the victim of burglary whilst they were away on holiday.

The research, which also looked at the worst months for burglary overall, showed that June and August take the top two spots, with more claims than at any other time of year.

This trend towards more summer burglaries may be partially explained by the fact that many householders do not take basic preventative measures before going away. Simple actions that are not taken include asking a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on the property when the householder is away (35 per cent do not do this), whilst 45 per cent do not leave any contact details for use in case of emergency.

Furthermore, 45 per cent do not ask anyone to come in and clear the post whilst only 35 per cent set their lights to a timer switch to create the impression that someone is in. Perhaps less surprisingly, most householders do not lock their valuables away in a safe when they go on holiday (83 per cent).

Andrew Lowe, Head of Home Insurance at Direct Line, says:
“Our research shows that a large number of UK householders have experienced burglary whilst they have been away on holiday. Burglars can pick up on various clues to establish whether a house is likely to be unoccupied, ranging from an unruly front lawn to newspaper deliveries or post clogging the letter box area, or even by overhearing people discussing their upcoming holidays in public places.

“Householders can do several things to minimise the risks of being burgled when they are away from the home. They should cancel any deliveries they may be expecting, and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property. Finally they need to ensure that the home is generally well secured, using adequate locks and alarms.”

Direct Line’s holiday security tips:

  • Make sure you have locked all the doors and windows to your property
  • Activate your burglar alarm
  • If you are expecting any house-sitters, give them your house key - don’t leave a key hidden on your property for them, as burglars know to look in the usual hiding spots
  • Lock away ladders and tools which could be used by burglars to break into the property
  • Lock up side gates, garages and sheds
  • Do not discuss your holiday dates in public places such as the pub or on the bus, as you could be overhead by an opportunistic thief

For tips on securing your home, please visit: www.directline.com/home/home-security.htm

For more information contact:

Erica Nelson
Direct Line Press Office
020 8313 5830
07919 218045
Email: erica.nelson@rbs.co.uk

Notes to Editors

*Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,070 British adults between 24th and 27th February 2009. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

** Figure based on 24,836,000 households in the UK, taken from “The effects of taxes and benefits on household income, 2006/07”, published on the National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk/taxesbenefits.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com.

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/.