January joy for burglars

Just before Christmas, all the insurers were issuing dire warnings about the high incidence of burglaries in the Christmas period. However, it seems that it’s not just Christmas that provides a bonanza for burglars. According to Halifax Home Insurance, the busiest time for Britain’s burglars is in fact January, with a burglary taking place every 35 seconds. The insurer estimates that 76,000 homes in Britain will be broken into during January, costing homeowners the staggering sum of £170 million.

For many burglars, it’s a case of daylight robbery, with the insurer’s research showing that 40 per cent of burglaries take place during the daytime. Only 27 per cent of burglaries take place between midnight and 6am, which means most people can sleep soundly. That’s why it makes sense to take precautions against burglary during the day, as burglars nose around for those post Christmas goodies. Even in the evening, lighting up the house makes it easier for burglars to see what’s inside and whether anyone’s at home.

And if you live in certain areas of the UK, you could be at even more risk. According to Halifax Home Insurance, Nottingham was the worst hit region for burglaries in 2006, eclipsing the rate in the capital, as well as Leeds, Enfield, Barnet and Bradford. And the safest regions last year were Colchester, Bath and Shrewsbury.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter for Halifax Home Insurance, has urged homeowners to be aware: ‘We tend to see a rise in burglaries during January as burglars know that it is the time when our homes are packed with lots of new and expensive items, ranging from electrical goods to jewellery.’

She adds: ‘We must remember that thieves are opportunists, and will strike during the day or night if they feel a property has inadequate security and the timing is right.  The fact that so many burglaries take place during daylight hours shows the importance of always remaining vigilant. ‘