WINTER BURGLARY WARNING
HOMEOWNERS have been warned of a possible spike in break-ins in coming months, with burglars targeting unoccupied homes on dark winter evenings.
The shorter days when clocks go back provide the ideal cover for thieves looking to break in – especially knowing houses may well be filled with Christmas presents.
One insurer has warned householders of the need to be cautious as its analysis of claims history over the past five years found a 34% jump in thefts from homes during the five months of shorter days, the Mirror reports.
Co-Op Insurance looked at claims people had submitted in the five months either side of the clocks going back and found the increase, while it also showed Friday was the day most likely for a theft to take place.
The clocks go back by an hour at 2am next Sunday – with mornings lighter and afternoons and evenings darker, it is easier for criminals to spot empty houses with no lights switched on.
The insurance data from the Co-op also found home thefts between November and March showed a greater chance of forced or violent entry than during the summer, when windows and doors are often left open.
Ian Kershaw, head of claims at the Co-op Insurance, said: “Unfortunately, darker nights lead to more burglaries, so as the nights draw in we’re urging people be really vigilant when it comes to their personal safety, as well as the safety of their home.”
The insurer’s data also found a hike in car claims around this time of year due to an increase in the number of car crashes.