'Gates need to have locks to help stop burglars'

26/01/2009

Gates on properties need to have locks if they are to be effective at preventing burglars from gaining access to a home, one insurance expert has claimed.

More Th>n issued the advice after citing figures from the government which show there has been a four per cent rise in the number of burglaries between July and September 2008 when compared with the previous three months.

The insurer advises homeowners to make sure all side access gates are fitted with locks which are used, all doors and windows need to be fitted with standard locks while garages and sheds need to be secure.

A spokesperson for More Th>n said: "Households most likely to be victims of burglary are those without security measures, followed by homes with a young head of household or lone parent households. As such, the best advice is to take sensible preventative measures."

Previously, the insurer has advised homeowners to fix chains to gates and doors as well as locking them to prevent burglars accessing the back of a property.