Shops are not the only people busy this time of year. The Christmas season is also an extremely profitable time for thieves, warns the Association of British Insurers.

The run up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for thieves, out in force on the look out for easy targets among shoppers, homeowners and motorists. Last year insurers dealt with some 46,000 burglary claims during December, in the run up to Christmas.

The four main targets for Christmas thieves are:-

• Homes left unoccupied while their owners are away visiting friends or relatives over the Christmas break.



• Homes where Christmas presents are easily visible from outside.



• Property left visible in an unattended car. Car parks are particularly vulnerable - thefts are four times more likely to occur from a vehicle in a public car park than parked outside homes.



• Shoplifters operating in crowded shops and shopping centres.


ABI's advice to ensure that Christmas presents only go to those intended is:-


• If going away over the Christmas period, ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home, reporting anything suspicious to the police.
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• Don't leave presents where they can easily be seen from outside your home, attracting the attention of thieves.



• Avoid leaving gifts in an unattended vehicle, especially on the back seat in full view of potential thieves. If property must be left unattended in a car, leave it in a locked boot or covered up, out of sight.



• When shopping keep a close eye on your possessions, ensuring that they are not left unattended.



• Check your home insurance policy as some will automatically increase the sum insured up to a specified limit to cover the additional value of any Christmas presents.

Tony Baker, ABI's Deputy Director General, offers some simple seasonal advice:

"Traditionally the Christmas period provides burglars with plenty of easy pickings. That is why it is especially important to take that little bit of extra care by making sure that both your home and possessions are secure. If you don't take simple precautions thieves could make it a very unpleasant Christmas for you and your family".

Notes

1. The number of homes burgled is based on insurance claims received during December. It does not take into account households without insurance who have suffered a burglary.



2. Further enquiries to:





Malcolm Tarling    +44 020 7216 7410    (Home: +44 020 8297 9510)
Suzanne Moore    +44 020 7216 7411    (Mobile: 0370 441277)




3. For radio broadcasts, an ISDN line is available.