An insurance expert has warned “complacency could cost South East homeowners dear” amidst fears of a surge in burglaries.
Amanda Harman, of insurance brokers Lycetts, says the return to work will lead to an increase in unoccupied homes during the day and could lead to a rise in break-ins.
Latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales show residential burglaries in the region fell from 28,073 in the year ending September 2020, to 20,832 in the 12-month period up to September 2021. In the Thames Valley, there were 6,796 burglaries to the September 2020, which dropped to 4,955 to September 2021.
“While a return to normality and fall in the number of burglaries is welcome, people can ill-afford to be complacent and extra attention should be paid to home security as homes have become easier targets for burglars,” said Ms Harman (pictured).
“It is important homeowners check their home security systems are up-to-date. Alarms, security lighting, cameras and smart locks, should be in good working order.”
In addition, she advised them to review their home insurance policies to make sure they have the correct level of cover.
“Many invested in new technologies while working from home. Coupled with that was the home improvement boom during the pandemic which saw many extensions being built, often housing expensive new home entertainment systems. This may have affected the level of cover needed,” she advised.
“It is upsetting enough to be a victim of burglary but finding that you are under-insured adds can compound the distress.”
