Loose gates 'can be inviting for thieves'

23/04/2009

Loose gates can give the impression that a house is vulnerable for attack by burglars, it has been suggested.

Norwich Union recommended that people maintain their properties as a cared-for home and garden provides a psychological hurdle for criminals to overcome - something that may compel people to invest in some new gates.

The firm advised trimming hedges, repairing woodwork and brickwork as well as remembering to remove anything that could be used to gain access to the property.

Norwich Union believes that household burglaries could go up by 50 per cent this year as the recession bites and unemployment figures increase.

"History shows that when unemployment rises we also see an increase in crime and unfortunately the latest Home Office figures obviously show an upward trend in domestic burglary," said Simon Warsop, director of home pricing at Norwich Union.

Last month, Saga recommended making sure that gates are in good repair after research from the company showed that January, March, June and July are the most popular months for garden thieves to attack.