42% more burglaries during BST

New research from Saga Home Insurance finds the number of burglaries committed on UK properties increases dramatically during British Summer Time (BST).

The organisation finds there are some 42 per cent more offences committed during BST months, when compared to Greenwich Meantime (GMT).

Saga analysed home insurance theft claim data from the last five years to reach its conclusions.

"As the evenings become lighter after the clocks go forward, people can become less security conscious, which results in a higher rate of burglaries," explained Paul Green, head of group communications, Saga.

"Lighter and warmer evenings often mean we spend more time outside and people leave windows open to let in the summer air.

"Many burglars take advantage of an open window, so ensuring yours are closed whenever you are not in the house is essential. It is also best to make sure you do not leave any items outside unnecessarily."

However, homeowners are also vulnerable when away from their property.

"Nearly half of all burglaries happen when a home is empty, so if you go on holiday this summer, try to arrange for a neighbour, friend or family member to visit your house every couple of days to check everything is okay and to make it look like it is occupied," continued Mr Green.

The clocks go forward on hour to BST at 02:00 on Sunday March 30th.