The latest recorded crime figures for England and Wales includes a map of the most burgled cities in the UK, which highlights London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle as the main hot spots.

Although the statistics, show that crime is falling and that domestic burglary is in decline, with a drop of 4%, Legal & General is concerned that people should continue to be vigilant when it comes to their home security.

Therefore, they have produced a special booklet, Safeguarding Your Home, which provides useful tips and home security advice, to help homeowners and those renting to protect their property and possessions.

An recent online survey, ‘Safe as Houses’ by Legal & General, revealed that although we’re very good at putting home security features in place, we’re not so good at checking that they are still working.

For example, over 80% have a smoke alarm and nearly 30% a security alarm in their home; however less than 10% said that they have never checked their smoke alarm and worryingly over 50% admitted that they have never checked their security alarm.

The Crime in England and Wales 2007/2008 report, also found that households with no home security measures, were around ten times more likely to have been victims of burglary, than households where simple security measures such as deadlocks on doors, or window locks were fitted - so home security remains a key defence against being a victim of burglary!

For details of the, Safeguarding Your Home booklet and household insurance cover from Legal & General visit:

Web: http://www.legalandgeneral.com
Tel: (0800) 02 77 156

The clocks went back on October 29th, which not only signals that winter is on its way, but also means increased opportunities and rich pickings for thieves as the evenings get darker.

Police are warning householders to step up their general home security to prevent them becoming a victim of crime this winter.

Burglaries tend to rise at this time every year and the police think the peak comes, as the evenings get darker and it’s easier for burglars to see where homes are empty.

People go to work in the morning between 7am and 9pm and don’t return home until 6pm or 7pm in the evening, so their house may have been in darkness for two or three hours, causing it to stand out and become a target for intruders.

Police advise people to consider a number of simple measures in order to prevent break-ins, for example:

• Use an energy-efficient light bulb in a lamp combined with a lamp timer, in a position near the front door or window. This gives the impression that someone is at home, when the light is switched on and off.
• Protect your home - Having the right doors, windows and locks can make your home safer.
• Mark your property - A few simple actions can help you get your property back after a crime.

For further advice call your local crime prevention officer, or log on to the homeoffice website (below).

Web: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Before buying a home security system it is important to take a close look at your home, and your locality, to discover the type and level of crime or other problems that are most likely to affect the security of your home, family and possessions.

So it is a good idea to do a home security system review to ascertain the precise level of protection you require thus preventing expense on unnecessary equipment.

Assemble the Facts

• Call on the assistance of your local police crime prevention officer, the fire service, neighbourhood watch and your insurance company who will give you detailed statistics and advice regarding prevalent crimes in your area, including other incidents such as fire or flooding.
• Talk to your neighbours to determine their knowledge of local crime or vandalism.
• When developing your security assessment, imagine that you are a burglar targeting your home and assess the situation through his eyes, to include your locality, your fences and gates, garden/grounds, door locks and accessibility of doors and windows, etc.
• Your family’s personal routines are equally important, as obvious daily habits can make you an easier target for criminals.

Study your assembled facts and classify any problem areas according to the risks, which are now apparent and decide whether you are liable to become a victim.

Now take appropriate action to address the identified risks to your home and family.

A comprehensive home security review can reduce your home insurance costs, because such careful planning demonstrates to your insurance company how serious you are about protecting your home and possessions.

web: http://www.home-security-action.co.uk/home-security-checklist.html