Home insurance customers told to be prepared

Home insurance customers should take every possible step to make sure that thieves do not get the better of them this Christmas, one police force has warned.

Speaking to the Workington Times and Star, Sergeant Richard Farnworth of the town's community policing team, warned home insurance customers that burglars will be looking to take advantage of other people's shopping efforts.

For this reason, residents should make sure their home insurance policy covers the value of the extra items they have purchased, he stated.

People should also take note of the serial numbers of new electrical equipment in case they need to make a home insurance claim in future, Sergeant Farnsworth advised.

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do and the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, he said.

Earlier this week, home insurance firm Legal and General advised people to make sure they regularly check alarms and locks to make sure they are providing the protection they are supposed to.