Where do you keep YOUR goodies?

16/07/2008

Age Concern Insurance Services are warning people to be more vigilant when hiding valuables in the home by keeping them in a safe, locked place.

 

The warning comes in the wake of new research from the organisation that shows that nearly half (47 per cent) of those surveyed hide their most valuable items in a household drawer.

 

The poll also revealed some go to greater lengths to hide their valuables in places like the fridge/freezer, an empty baked bean can in a food cupboard and within a pair of socks.

 

Nearly half (46 per cent) consider jewellery to be the most expensive item in their home to replace and laptops came second with nearly one in five (19 per cent).  Other more sentimental possessions people hide to keep safe include war medals – their own or relatives’.

 

Going to some trouble to secrete precious items is certainly worth the effort, bearing in mind the most recent figures from the British Crime Survey which showed that – although burglaries are on a declining curve, an estimated 726,000 domestic burglaries took place in 2006/07.

 

So what are the best ways to avoid being one of 2008’s statistics? 

Here are some top tips from Age Concern and the Metropolitan Police to protect yourself against a break in:

 

1     Remove temptation – where possible, try to keep valuables out 

of sight to potential burglars by removing them from windowsills etc.

 

2     Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere outside.

 

3     Make it look as though your house is occupied, e.g. by 

installing timers which switch lights on and off automatically.

 

4     If you are away for extended periods, cancel the delivery of 

milk and newspapers and ask a friend to pop in once a week to check on your home

 

Jeff Morris from Age Concern Insurance Services says: “We are encouraging people to be more cautious when hiding possessions in their homes, especially those with sentimental value that can’t be easily replaced.  By keeping valuables in a locked, safe place belongings will be kept secure.

 

“We would also advise people to check their home insurance policies and specify any items over £2000 – this will provide peace of mind that their possessions are insured to the correct value, in case the worst happens.”