Churchill Home Insurance Warns Householders To Beware Of Bonfire Break-Ins

Churchill Home Insurance warns householders to beware of Bonfire break-ins

Steve Jackson, home claims manager, Churchill Insurance, commented: “The ghosts and ghouls on Halloween may not be real, but our data indicates that homeowners still have reason to be vigilant. Last year 31st October saw more theft claims1 than any other day and are up a third in just one year. We have also seen an increase of 14 per cent in the number of claims on Bonfire Night compared to the previous year.

“The traditions associated with Guy Fawkes night and Halloween create ideal conditions for burglars. Early nightfall and loud noises tied with empty houses can act as a cover for opportunistic thieves. To deter burglars, we encourage homeowners to ensure that they lock their doors, activate any alarms and consider strategic lighting to illuminate any dark parts of their property to make it look occupied. These autumnal nights are fun for the whole family, but theft can quickly sour the festivities.”

Churchill Home Insurance Top Tips to deter burglars

• Make sure doors are locked and windows are sealed before you leave home, even if you are just popping out for a few minutes to see the fireworks
• With lots of people roaming the streets over Halloween, keep valuables and expensive items out of sight of windows to deter would be thieves
• Leaving the house over Halloween? Make sure to switch on alarms and use stickers to advertise that your house has a security system
• The clocks changing brings longer, darker nights, so invest in security lights to put off thieves
• Overgrown plants and bushes can be used as hiding places by thieves, so ensure you trim back any unwieldy bushes
• If you're leaving your house empty for long periods, strategically leave some lights on or invest in timed lighting
• Don't leave any ladders or garden furniture out in the open. Thieves could use these items to enter or escape

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Notes to editors

1 Based on customer theft claims fulfilled by Direct Validation Services, part of the Ryan Group www.ryandirectgroup.co.uk 2013 and 2014

For further information:

Taylor Stephens
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 282 1057
Email: taylor.stephens@citigatedr.co.uk

Claire Foster
Churchill PR Manager
Tel: 0165 183 1672
Mob: 07900 217 264
Email: Claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com