THE THEFTIVE SEASON
( 383 words)

It is not just the shops that are busy this time of year. The Christmas season is traditionally one of the busiest times of years for thieves according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The top three targets of Christmas criminals are:

- Homes full of Christmas presents. With the average family likely to spend £670 on Christmas presents it is no surprise that homes are particularly vulnerable to thieves. Last year there were 44,000 domestic burglaries in the run up to Christmas, costing insurers £47 million in claims.

- Crowded shops. Shops busy with Christmas shoppers are a magnet for pick pockets. One in four people in a recent ABI survey admitted that they would be tempted to use a stolen credit card.

- Valuables left in unattended cars. A car can be broken into in a matter of seconds, and presents and valuables left in full view in unattended vehicles, are easy prey for car thieves.

Common sense seasonal security precautions include:

- Avoid leaving Christmas presents under the Christmas tree, which are clearly visible outside.
- If going  away over Christmas, make sure that you have secured your home. Leave contact details with a trusted neighbour.
- Do not leave bags or packages unattended while shopping.
- Avoid leaving presents and valuables in unattended vehicles. If you have no choice then make sure they are left out of sight in a locked glove compartment or the boot.

Some household contents insurance policies will automatically increase the sum insured by a fixed amount over the Christmas period to take into account  Christmas gifts.     

Jane Milne, the ABI’s Household and Property Manager gives some seasonal advice:

“ Christmas can be expensive enough without having the trauma of becoming a victim of crime. Thieves are out in force looking for easy targets, so be on your guard and take extra care of your property. Insurance will provide financial compensation if the worst happens, but it cannot compensate you for ruined Christmas memories “.                                                                                                  

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Note for Editors

1 Enquiries to: Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 ( mobile 07776 147667 )
                                Leonie Edwards   020 7216 7392   
 
  

2 An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

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Notes