Open windows, unlocked back doors and a lack of simple security measures all add up to easy access for burglars during the summer holidays.
According to ten years* of data from Aviva, the UK's largest insurer, thefts from inside the home increase by 10% in July and August.
And statistics show that damage caused to the actual fabric of the property, during burglaries, falls during this time indicating that thieves are taking advantage of a basic lack of security in many homes across the UK.
Jonathan Cracknell, household underwriter at Aviva says: "Most homeowners are pretty savvy when it comes to securing their main home while they are away on holiday, but our data shows that thieves are still sneaking in through open windows and unsecured doors, so even if you are just going out for a day trip, don't forget to have a quick look around and check you have shut and locked everything you should. It could make the difference from your home being a quick target or being left alone.
"If you are going away for longer, the key is not to advertise your home is empty, make sure you've brought in the wheelie bins, if you can leave a car in the drive and have some timers set for lights to turn on once it gets dark."
But it's not just the inside of your home you need to protect, thefts from gardens, sheds and out-buildings are 50% higher in July and August compared to the dark days of January - with bikes and tools among the top items being taken.
What about cover?
Aviva's home insurance can provide full cover for up to 60 consecutive days whilst your home is left unoccupied. This ensures your home is protected against any unexpected incidents whilst you are on your holidays such as a burglary, but also burst pipes, which could obviously cause serious damage to your home if you are not there to stop it!
But if you are lucky enough to be going away for an extended summer break of more than 60 days just let us know and we can provide some extended cover for you.
Most insurance policies will automatically exclude theft, malicious damage and household leaks after a certain time period.
Garden cover
If the worst does happen, Aviva home insurance provides cover for theft of contents in outbuildings, garages and garden sheds up to £2500, so that would include your mountain bike, lawnmower and set of golf clubs.
Contents in the garden, like patio furniture, potted plants and BBQs, are also covered for theft and damage, up to £500, but if you have some particularly nice garden ornaments or a fancy table and chairs that cover can be increased to £1500 for around £8 a year.
Security while your home is alone:
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Leave a key with a responsible relative or friend to regularly check your home.
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Secure and tidy away loose garden items in a shed or garage such as children's toys, bicycles, garden equipment etc (so they can't be stolen, used to break windows or to cause damage).
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Make sure the locks on your shed or garage are robust and not rusty.
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Hide or cover bulky items which can not be locked away, such as large gas barbecues and picnic benches.
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Get a friend or neighbour to draw curtains in the evenings, clear mail from your letter box, and remove rubbish bins when collection is over.
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Use timer switches to turn on lights.
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Leave a car in the driveway if you can.
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