Homeowners are being warned to ensure they think carefully about their property's security after figures show that the UK looses £2 billion through domestic disasters.

Financemarkets.co.uk says that "domestic disasters" such as fires and burglaries are costing homeowners huge amounts in insurance claims – when they could be taking measure to prevent them happening in the fist place.

British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) said that it is up to the individual to ensure they are protecting themselves.

Installing double glazing on doors and windows can make it difficult for thieves to enter as well as getting stronger locks and latches.

Ensuring a home has these extra features will also increase families security and could bring insurance premiums down.

Biba also said that young homeowners and students are most at risk of being targeted by opportunistic thieves who are attracted by the expensive electronics which are often contained with a home.

Student houses often have two or more televisions as well as games consoles, CDs and laptops.

Graeme Trudgill, technical services manager at the association said that students "really do need to be conscious of security" and that they should "keep their laptops and things in their locked room when they go out".

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

Publish our Security articles on your own site!

All our Security articles are available for republishing, provided the links in the content remain intact. You can also use our RSS news feed to republish all of our Security articles.