Neighbours and home insurance could protect home

When the neighbours are away, detective we play, according to new research.

More than 97 per cent of Britons say they keep a watchful eye on their neighbours' properties when they are away on holidays, Barclays Insurance Services found.

Almost a third of men and 17 per cent of women are 'have a go neighbourly heroes' who would intervene in order to prevent a crime from taking place.

It appears to be a modern myth that there is a lack of community spirit, says Adrian Grace, managing director of Barclays Insurance Services – we just don't talk about it.

Mr Grace said people should not jeopardise their safety by dealing with suspects, but the insurance provider encourages people to let their neighbours know if they are going away so an eye could be kept on suspicious behaviour.

But he warns that people should not only rely on their neighbours to keep an eye on their homes, but that they should ensure they have adequate home insurance and home contents insurance to protect them.

The home insurance provider urges people to ensure their home insurance is up to date and fully comprehensive before they go away.