Security Measures Are Useless If They Are Not Working Properly

Despite the fact that domestic burglaries are on the rise in the UK it seems that us Brits are not on top of insuring that the security devices installed in our homes are working properly, these devices will help to lower your home insurance premiums, but it won't last long if they are not working properly and your home is burgled. The Home Office has recently released figures showing domestic burglaries rose by four per cent in the three months leading up to September 2008, the largest jump in seven years. Many have been predicting a rise in domestic burglaries largely put down to the current recession in the UK, so it seems that it may get worse before it gets better meaning that well maintained security measures are more important than ever.

The Crime in England and Wales 2007/2008 report discovered that households with no home security measures were nearly ten times more likely to become victims of burglary than property where there were simple security measures such as deadlocks on doors or window locks.

The research from Legal & General shows that although 90 per cent of households have a smoke alarm and 85 per cent have window locks and 72 per cent good quality door locks, not everyone checks these security measures are working properly. Of the 37 per cent who are putting off home maintenance, one in five, 21 per cent, are delaying plans to repair broken or malfunctioning window and door locks and 11 per cent are ignoring faulty alarm systems. This means that there are plenty of houses out there that may look like it has a number of security features installed but if they are not working then they are as much use as a chocolate fire guard.

Ruth Wilkins, head of communications for Legal & General's general insurance business, said: "A few simple checks could mean that our properties are safer. Installing an intruder alarm, good quality locks or living in a Neighborhood Watch area are all good preventative measures to help keep our homes secure. Plus, using approved security measures could also result in a discount on the cost of household insurance cover."

The new statistics from legal and general highlight the importance of having security measures working and properly installed in your home, especially with a predicted rise in burglaries expected this year many homes could be at risk and if you are burgled then all the money saved on your home insurance premiums installing the security measures is wasted.