News release: Homeowners warned as burglars target Christmas presents

New Year’s Eve is the festive season’s worst day for burglary, according to Norwich Union claims data.* Homes are 25% more likely to be burgled on 31 December than on a normal day as thieves take advantage of partygoers who leave their homes unoccupied and full of expensive gifts.

What’s more, the cost of a burglary over the festive season can be up to £350 higher than on a normal day due to all the extra goodies in the home, according to the insurer. The average burglary claim is around £1200.

So Norwich Union is urging homeowners to take extra security precautions over the festive season to ensure spirits aren’t dampened by thieves on the look-out for newly unwrapped presents.

As millions prepare to hit the high street this weekend for more Christmas shopping, Norwich Union reveals the top ten items stolen by festive burglars last year.** It also predicts what will be on thieves’ Christmas swag bag wish list this year.

	Top 10 items stolen Christmas 2005	Burglars' 2006 Christmas Wish List
1	Mobile phones	LG Chocolate and the Motorola KRZR
2	iPods/MP3 players	Apple Charity iPod Nano Red
3	Sat-Nav systems	The latest systems from TomTom or Packard Bell
4	Digital cameras	The latest digital cameras from Kodak
5	Games consoles	Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360
6	Laptops	Apple Macbook
7	LCD TVs	High-tech LCD TVs like the new Sony Bravia
8	Designer watches	Designer ladies watches from Gucci and Rolex
9	Pocket PCs/Blackberries	Pocket PCs from Hewlett Packard
10	CDs/DVDs/Games	The hotly awaited DVD Superman Returns

What’s more, research by Norwich Union shows that homeowners give burglars a helping hand by hiding presents in obvious locations around the home such as wardrobes (44%), under the bed (23%), or in the shed (12%).***

Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union said: “Of course everyone wants to put their presents under the tree for Christmas but before the big day ensure they’re tucked away somewhere safe and not in full view to every passer-by.

“The attic or loft is a good hiding place for presents – your average burglar doesn’t have time to climb into your attic and it’s also safe from excited children desperate to get a sneak preview of what they can expect on Christmas morning.

“And at New Year make sure you double check your home before you embark on your night on the town – you don’t want to begin 2007 with a burglary.”

Because of all the extra items in the home over Christmas, Norwich Union gives an extra £3,000 worth of contents cover over the festive period.

But remember to consider all new gifts when it comes to renewing your home insurance in the New Year. That wide-screen TV may have just tipped your contents insurance over its limit!

Norwich Union’s tips to a safe and happy Christmas:

• Don’t discard whole gift boxes in your dustbin, as this could give thieves easy clues about what they might find in your home! Instead try breaking them up into small pieces and place them in your recycling bin or in a sealed bin bag
• If you’re out and about on New Year’s Eve, leave lights on, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked and expensive gifts not in full view
• Avoid leaving the keys in the lock inside when double locking – this will prevent burglars using the hook and cane method through your letterbox
• Consider installing a burglar alarm either by an approved contractor or failing that by purchasing a system from one of the DIY chains. "Dummy Covers" are a deterrent but if you can afford it a real one is better. (It may also get you a discount on your home insurance!)
• Fit a motion sensor light which will work at any time whether you are in or out of the house.

* Norwich Union Claims Data from 1988 to 2005
** Norwich Union Claims Data from Christmas 2005
*** Based on an ICM Research survey of 1000 people conducted between 24-26 November 2006.