Amex: Don’t let poor security ruin your bonfire night

Homeowners have been warned to show extra vigilance with their home security as November 5th approaches and the risk of burglary increases.

The British Insurer Association expects insurance claims to increase by 25 per cent in November as a direct result of bonfire night, American Express claims.

According to government research, 80 per cent of burglars spend less than ten minutes inside a house, so a homeowner who has visited a friend for a fireworks display or is even having one in their own back garden will give a criminal enough time to break into their house.

Amex offers some advice for people planning on leaving their house on November 5th, recommending initially that all windows and doors are locked, even if people are still in the garden.

Houses should also be lit from inside and out and alarms should be activated. As many items as possible should be removed from hallways, particularly things such as car keys, handbags or mobile phones, preventing thieves from being able to simply steal these objects and leave immediately.

Joanne Field, marketing manager for Amex Insurance Services, said: "Householders can take some very basic measures to protect their homes against burglars.

"However, the best protection is always a good insurance policy which offers new for old cover and 24/7 access to locksmiths, glaziers and other vital emergency services."