Halifax Home Insurance is warning its customers that inadequate home security measures may invalidate their claims.

Unforced burglaries invariably rise during the summer months as people leave windows and doors open to keep cool, and this week's statement from Halifax is intended to remind homeowners that lax security may hinder payouts in such instances.

Most insurance policies include a clause that homeowners must take 'reasonable care' of their possessions, meaning they need to take adequate steps to avoid loss or damage.

Securing your home's entry points is therefore of paramount importance.

Vicky Emmott of Halifax Home Insurance cautioned that "thieves are on the lookout for the chance to steal items left within easy reach such as handbags, laptops, car keys, mobile phones and MP3 Players".

"Burglars can be in and out in seconds," she added, so being at home or in your garden is no excuse for complacency.

Claims for unforced burglaries rose by 50 per cent in August last year and over half of all burglaries happen when the home is occupied.

The warning comes in the lead up to National Home Security Week (August 25th - 31st), which is intended to highlight the protection that security measures such as double glazing can give homeowners.

Click here for a selection of double glazed windows and doors from Safestyle.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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