By T & R Direct
Being burgled isn't just about losing money. It is a traumatic experience and can leave victims feeling anxious and scared.
Victim Support estimate that there are around a million burglaries each year in the UK. They deal with 1.7 million people affected by crime each year.
As well as the emotional fallout of being a victim of crime, there are also the practicalities of repairing any damage to your home, possessions, replacing items and claiming on your home insurance to help replace missing items.
Having a family heirloom or valuable stolen is often irreplaceable, even if you can claim on insurance. For many, simply the thought of somebody intruding in their home is bad enough. Which is why, if you are a victim of burglary it is important to:
•Talk. If you talk through your experience with somebody independent of family, who is trained to listen, many victims feel much better.
•Seek specialist advice to help improve your security in your home.
•Notify your bank quickly if bank cards, cheque books, benefit books etc. are taken so they can prevent fraud and further theft.
•Even if you can't afford state-of-the-art security, think about measures that are easy and cost less such as leaving lights or a radio on when you go out, and checking all doors and windows are closed or locked.
•Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme if there is one running, if not, talk to your crime prevention officer about starting one.
Burglar Alarms
If you do decide to install a burglar alarm, they don't need to cost the earth. Burglar alarms are effective at deterring crime, according to government figures, around 60% of attempted burglaries on homes that are alarmed fail.
When buying an alarm, it is worth looking for a police recognised ‘alarm inspectorate' company. This means they will be accredited to the National Security Inspectorate and National Approval Council for Security Systems.
Do not be talked into buying an alarm through shock tactics, remember that violent attacks in the home are extremely rare.
Types of alarm:
•The ‘bells only' system. This is the most common and cheapest to install but you will have to pay an annual maintenance fee too.
•For twice the money, you could get a ‘monitored alarm' - worth investing in if you live in an isolated area. This will alert the police if an intruder is detected and costs roughly £900, again with a yearly maintenance fee on top – expect this to be around £200 a year.
•Top technological alarms include CCTV, audio connections and sensors to detect movement in different places around your home.
Before you buy an alarm speak with your insurance company first. They may reduce your premium if you increase your security.
About the Author: T & R Direct specialise in house insurance. We pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service. See how you could save up to 42% on your house insurance now by clicking on house insurance
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