Homeowners advised to lock garden gates

19/08/2009

Residents should lock garden gates as well as sheds and garages to minimise the chance of burglars gaining access to their property, it has been advised.

Direct Line has also recommended homeowners to secure outside doors and windows when nobody is at home, while deadlocks or key-operated security bolts can be fitted to all external doors for added safety.

A survey from Direct Line Home Insurance has revealed that 44 per cent of respondents revealed they did not take simple steps to protect their homes such as locking sheds and outbuildings.

"We suggest that householders ensure that there are no ladders or tools left in the garden where they could be spotted by burglars and used to help them break in," commented Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance at Direct Line.

A recent study from moneysupermarket.com revealed that homes London and Nottingham were more likely to make a claim for theft or burglary on their home insurance than other areas in the UK.