Homeowners are being urged to lock up their homes as well as their pets this Guy Fawkes’ Night.
Homeowners are being urged to lock up their homes as well as their pets this Guy Fawkes’ Night – it’s the worst day of the year for household theft according to a new report out today.
The inaugural Norwich Union Insurance Index* reveals that the firm receives 25% more claims for theft from the home on November 5 than on an average day of the year.
And claims for household fires are also up that day, with the company receiving 50% more claims than usual due to firework-related incidents.
Simon Machell, customer services director at Norwich Union, said: "November 5 is pennies from heaven for burglars. People don’t tend to think about home security while they’re enjoying themselves on Bonfire Night.
"But it’s a perfect opportunity for burglars who take advantage of the dark, the distraction and the noise of the fireworks to take people’s valuables - often walking in through the front door because people haven’t thought to lock it while they’re busy with bonfires, barbecues and fireworks.
"We’d urge anyone planning to celebrate November 5 to make sure they’ve secured their home before they step outside to watch the fun."
Devised from an in-depth analysis of claims made since 2000, the index, which this time focuses on household theft, also reveals:
- While Guy Fawkes’ Night is the worst day of the year for household theft, New Year’s Eve is the second most risky day for homeowners
- Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year in terms of claims – on December 25 Norwich Union receives less than half the amount they usually do on a normal day
- But it’s the worst day of the year when it comes to household fires – Norwich Union receives more than twice as many claims on Christmas Day compared to an average day
- Fridays and Saturdays are the worst days for break-ins – and fewer claims are made on Sundays than any other day of the week
- Household thefts have reduced by 5% from quarter two 2000 to quarter two 2003
- Norwich Union receives one household theft claim for every 60 household policies each year
The Index also features research amongst more than 500 households about their experiences and opinions about residential crime. It reports that almost a quarter of people in the UK have been victims of a burglary, and nearly a third of these have been burgled more than once.
But while almost four in 10 homes have an alarm system, nearly a third of those questioned admit that they don’t always activate their alarm when they leave the house.
And despite the fact that nearly half of all break-ins occur through forced entry of the front door, 45% keep their back or front door unlocked overnight.
Chris Dyer, programme manager with leading crime reduction charity Crime Concern said: "Many victims of burglary talk of the worry, anxiety and sleeplessness that comes from the invasion of their home. Burglary isn’t just about losing your belongings, but victims also lose their peace of mind. Often, domestic burglaries are committed by opportunists, who choose a house that looks unoccupied, has little or no obvious security devices and where they think they won’t be seen.
"There are things which can be done to help build a sense of community where people are concerned for their neighbours and their neighbourhood. This can help to not only reduce burglaries, both also to combat fear of crime."
Norwich Union and Crime Concern have developed some valuable tips for improving home security – both this Bonfire Night and year-round:
- Ensure the front door and all windows are locked, even if you’re enjoying Bonfire Night at home in the back garden
- Leave a couple of lights on in the house if you’re planning on going to a nearby fireworks’ display and if you have a house alarm, make sure you set it when you leave the house
- Don’t leave keys in places that are easy to reach for burglars, especially in or near the front or back door
- If you’re having a fireworks party with a group of neighbours, make sure all houses have been secured and do a couple of checks around your properties during the evening.
-ends-
* The Norwich Union Insurance Index is the first relating to the general insurance industry. To be released twice yearly, it is designed to provide a barometer of insurance claims based on claims data. Each time we will be supplementing the data with consumer’s views on issues relating to the home.
Media contacts:
Charlotte Speedy or Matt Buchanan at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424
Louise Zucchi at Norwich Union on 01603 684 506 or 07860 203 466
Notes to editors:
- Media report available (either hard copy or PDF) detailing full-findings of Norwich Union Insurance Index and consumer research.
- Brand & Issues Research was commissioned by Norwich Union to interview 520 people across the UK regarding their experiences and views on home security and crime. The research was conducted in September 2003.
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer with a market share of around 16% and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
- It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses - Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available on the Aviva internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media
- An ISDN facility is available for studio quality broadcast. Call the press office on 08703 66 68 68.
For all life & pensions media enquiries call 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries call 08703 66 68 68