Home break-ins warning

Homeowners have been warned by a home insurance provider that they could be at risk of becoming victims of burglars due to failing to take adequate security measures.

According to a survey by Zurich Insurance, 32 per cent of respondents believe that they could break into their own homes, while one in ten have already managed to gain access this way.

The firm noted that of those who have done so, 67 per cent were able to break in in under 15 minutes, with 37 per cent simply having to go through an open window .

Commenting on the findings, Mike Quinton, managing director for direct and partnerships at Zurich Insurance, said: If homeowners can break-in to their own properties that's a major warning sign for them to take stock of their security measures.

Kelly Ostler, spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers, recently said that it is important that homeowners install secure locks and urged people to consider fitting security lights.

Gravel pathways can also help to alert homeowners to intruders, she added.