Homeowners 'forgetful' regarding household precautions
Date: 07/07/2008 12:00:00
Britain's homeowners are a forgetful bunch when it comes to ensuring the safety of their properties, a survey has suggested.
A poll of 1,990 people found many forget to take simple precautions when leaving the house, such as checking the oven is off.
A total of 58 per cent had gone out leaving an appliance on in the last year, with washing machines also among things people forget to switch off.
One in ten people have also left their homes without locking the doors behind them, according to the Newcastle Building Society survey.
Steven Marks from the firm warned: "Leaving your home without locking the doors or setting the alarm creates a risk for burglary but it can also affect your home contents cover should you come to claim."
However, the same research showed people did have an awareness of measures which could reduce the costs of
home insurance policies, such as fitting window locks.
Last week reformed burglar Michael Fraser, speaking on behalf of security firm AlertMe, warned windows without locks and front doors with a solitary catch are what "opportunists looks for".