Don’t let thieves take the fun out of the festivities
THE festive season will soon be in full swing, but Britons need to keep up their guard to stop thieves from ruining Christmas.
As the nation embarks on its annual splurge, criminals are happy to spoil the fun by taking parcels from doorsteps, breaking into homes to steal gifts or scamming credit card users.
People are particularly vulnerable as they go out to Christmas parties or leave their homes empty for long periods to visit relatives or enjoy some winter sun abroad. Shopping for Christmas presents online is quick and simple, but there is a downside if you are not at home for your deliveries.
An incredible 3.8 million Britons have had online deliveries stolen from their doorsteps, as thieves target homes where parcels have been left unattended.
Home insurer Policy Expert found that one in 12 has lost parcels left behind a bin, plant pot, under the car or on the porch.
Of these, only five per cent received their money back, with a further six per cent having the item replaced. The remainder got no compensation.
Adam Powell, head of operations at Policy Expert, said leaving hundreds of pounds worth of valuables unattended can prove costly: “Unfortunately many people do not realise that deliveries left unattended are not covered under their home insurance policy.”
Many prefer to have parcels delivered to work or a friend, neighbour or relative’s house if they expect to be away, while click-and-collect services are another option.
“But almost three quarters opt to have presents delivered to their home despite the fact they might not be in to take the delivery,” Powell added.
Consumer expert Helen Dewdney at The Complaining Cow and author of How To Complain, said under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the retailer is responsible for goods until they are safely delivered to you, rather than the courier. However, if you have nominated a safe place this can be interpreted as the parcel being delivered, leaving you with no right of redress. “Do not suggest a safe place if there is a chance your parcel could be stolen because it becomes your property if left where specified,” she said. Empty homes can be an open invitation for burglars wanting to steal your Christmas cheer.
New research by Halifax Home Insurance shows a 22 per cent increase in claims for theft over the festive period compared to the summer months.
Many insurers automatically increase your home contents cover by 10 per cent during December to reflect the fact you have new purchases in your home, so check what your policy offers.
Head of underwriting David Rochester said seasonal grinches are ready to steal the magic of Christmas: “Locking all doors and windows when you go out and not leaving presents on visible display under the tree can help prevent a burglary.”
Rochester also suggested keeping receipts separate so that thieves cannot return your items to the shops for a refund: “Dispose of gift packaging carefully, as leaving empty boxes outside advertises you have new and desirable goods in your home.”
If jetting overseas to escape the winter cold, cancel all deliveries such as milk and newspapers. He added: “Consider leaving a car on the driveway or asking a neighbour to put rubbish in your bin so it does not look like your house is empty.” Credit card fraud is another problem as millions put their Christmas spending on plastic.
Anthony Wong, group marketing director at personal finance site MoneyGuru.com, says you must keep a tight grip of your wallet or purse when shopping or partying or pickpockets could go shopping with your cards. “When making a transaction, never let your credit card or debit card out of your sight,” he added.