The Christmas and Millennium holiday period could prove a once in a lifetime opportunity for thieves, warns to the Association of British Insurers. Traditionally a profitable time of year for thieves, this Christmas and New Year, with many people out celebrating the millennium, could provide even more easy pickings than normal.

Last year, insurers dealt with some 45,000 burglaries in the run up to Christmas,. Prime targets are presents left in unattended vehicles, pickpockets operating among crowded Christmas shoppers, and properties left unoccupied while owners are away over the Christmas period.

ABI’s tips to reduce the risk of suffering at the hands of festive thieves are:

• Avoid leaving presents in an unattended vehicle, especially in full view of thieves. If property must be left unattended, make sure it is in a locked boot, or undercover and out of sight.
  
  
• When shopping, keep a close eye on possessions, ensuring that they are not left unattended.
  
  
• Do not leave presents where they can easily be seen from outside your home, attracting the attention of thieves.
  
  
• If going away over the Christmas holiday period, ask a trusted neighbour, friend of relative to keep an eye on your home, reporting anything suspicious to the police.
  
  
• Check your home contents insurance policy, as some will automatically increase the sum insured, up to a specified limit, to cover any Christmas presents.

Tony Baker, ABI’s Deputy Director General, said:

“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, making sure that both your home and possessions are secure. If you don’t you run the very real risk that 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 been burgled.



2. Enquiries to:
   Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Home: 020 8297 9510)



3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.