'Lock side gates' while away

13/07/2009

Side gates, sheds and garages should be locked up by house occupiers to secure a house when they have gone on holiday, it has been suggested.

Direct Line made the gates suggestion after announcing research findings that showed June and August are the two worst months for burglary as more claims are made than at any other point in the year.

"Burglars can pick up on various clues to establish whether a house is likely to be unoccupied, ranging from an unruly front lawn to newspaper deliveries or post clogging the letter box area," said Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance at Direct Line.

The firm also recommended activating burglar alarms, locking all windows and doors as well as locking away ladders and tools that thieves could use to break into the property.

Virgin Money recently advised homeowners to make sure fences and gates are in good condition to prevent garden thieves from striking.