Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

One in ten burgled while on holiday

Friday, 23 May 2008 12:52 AM

One in ten homes has been burgled while the occupants have been on holiday, new research from Churchill Insurance.

The total value of items stolen averaged £3,288 per incident, with residents away for a weekend or even just on a day trip.

"Arriving back from a holiday or a quick break to discover your home has been broken into is an awful experience for anyone to endure," said Claire Foster, spokesperson for Churchill Insurance.

"While insurance cannot prevent burglary, it can provide reassurance that the monetary value of anything stolen is covered."

The research also suggests a declining trend in traditional TV and stereo theft, as thieves are opting to take portable, easy to carry, high value items.

DVDs, CDs and videos, for example, account for 44 per cent of all property stolen, while jewellery (43 per cent) and money, cheque books and credit cards (42 per cent) were also popular targets.

In further good news for homeowners, the Cheshire Building Society (CBS) is warning residents to take care over the bank holiday weekend.

Statistics from the organisation reveal garden thefts are on the rise - with a third of all insurance claims occurring in the summer months.

"During the summer months there tends to be an increase in the number of garden thefts as people get their gardens into shape," said Karen Torson, partnerships business manager at CBS.

"Thieves will seize anything they can sell on including patio furniture, ornaments, electrical equipment such as lawnmowers and pressure washers and expensive plants and shrubs."

Chris O'Toole

Related stories

Solar panels could cut electricity bills by £177 a year

One in ten Brits put off by perceived 'green' cost

Energy efficient products are seen as a waste of money by one in ten Brits.

 A third of those without insurance say they would only consider taking out a policy if they were burgled.

Millions wait to be burgled before insuring

A quarter of Brits do not have home contents insurance, says Post Office survey.
House under construction

One in three want to build their own home

One in three people would consider having their own home built in the next five years if the finance was available.

 Birmingham development

Property prices treble in ten years in hotspots

House prices in the quickest-growing locations in the UK rose by almost £150,000 over the decade to 2008.
Block of flats in London

Ten social housing inspections made in 15 months

The Tenant Services Authority has not commissioned a property inspection in almost a year, an investigation has found.

 If you're currently in a chain it is worth making sure the others know about the stamp duty cutoff. Image:Thinkstock

Two months left to buy with stamp duty holiday

Estate agents urge first-time buyers to act quickly to avoid extra bill when tax exemption ends on 24 March.
Fancy spending Christmas in Tuscany?

Top Ten Christmas Getaways

Fancy something different this Christmas? Check out some of the best properties available to rent.

 Rinat Akhmetov

Rinat Akhmetov is One Hyde Park penthouse owner

Until now the identity of the owner of the UK’s most expensive apartment was unknown – but it has now been revealed.
The tree is more important than what's under it. Well, sort of. Image:Thinkstock

Decorating your Christmas tree - top ten tips

For a few weeks your Christmas tree will be the focal point of your home. Make it a good one.

 One Hyde Park aerial view

One Hyde Park's penthouse: UK's most expensive flat

The penthouse of the world's most expensive residential development was bought by a Ukrainian – find out how much it sold for.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

What type of storage is best for small kitchens?

If you have a small kitchen you may well look enviously at the space and amount of storage in the country-style rooms that are beloved by property programmes on television. There may not be much you can do about the size of your room, but there are steps you can take to ensure the space is utilised as efficiently as possible.

What makes Chelsea a residential hotspot for the stylish and affluent?

Chelsea is one of the most exclusive parts of London thanks to its mix of traditional and modern architecture, fabulous shops and top-quality restaurants. A chic and stylish area, it is highly sought-after by the rich and famous.

Why does stamp duty exist on properties?

Stamp duty has been in existence for over 300 years, going back to the reign of William and Mary. It is important to understand where stamp duty came from and how it has evolved over the years to become the tax that it is today.