Halifax Home Insurance has sounded alarm bells over the prospect of a surge in the number of burglaries British homeowners are expected to endure this Christmas.

The company cited recent research showing that one in five people are preparing to go abroad over the festive season, leaving their homes vulnerable to break-ins.

Among those planning to travel over the holiday period, one in five say they have no intention to improve their home security - relying instead on the goodwill and vigilance of their neighbours.

That comes in spite of repeated warnings from the Metropolitan police and numerous insurance companies that the Christmas period is "high season" for opportunistic burglars, many of whom will be on the lookout for newly-bought Christmas presents.

"There are criminals who see this time of the year as providing them with rich pickings," lamented Marty Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance. "We are urging householders - especially those who plan to go away on holiday - to take measures to safeguard their home."

Popular home security measures include the installation of floodgate lighting, door and window alarms, and double glazing insulation.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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