Garden security 'important as clocks go back'

27/10/2008

As Britain returns to Greenwich Mean Time, Norwich Union has warned that securing gardens, doors and windows should be a priority.

Research from the group has indicated that 39 per cent of people feel more vulnerable to burglary when the clocks go back, while a third said that home security had flagged as the credit crunch limited spending.

However, Norwich Union urged people to install a number of deterrents - such as gates, fences and security lights - to avoid being targeted over the winter months.

"We're not talking about turning homes into fortresses, just simple steps that will make a criminal think again before they target you," said home security expert Bob Turney.

New fencing and front and side gates were identified as particularly effective countermeasures.

People living in Doncaster, Bristol and Canvey Island may be particularly keen on getting new garden gates after Moneysupermarket.com revealed that residents there are most likely to fall victim to burglary.