Don't Let the Dark Winter Nights Rob you of your Possessions

As the recession continues to adversely affect many people's finances, it may be tempting to make cut backs on your insurance policies. But as the dark nights begin to approach, it is more important than ever to have the appropriate home insurance cover in place.

This is because as the winter months roll in, burglars are more likely to target your home and personal belongings, with research by Halifax suggesting burglaries increase by as much as 20 per cent during this period.

Andrew Cheney, senior risk and valuation advisor at Insurance company, Hiscox also says that as the hours of daylight reduce, "it is likely there will be an increase in chance burglaries and petty theft."

This is backed up by the experiences of insurance customers, who claim on their home insurance policies more in the winter months than in any other month of the year.

Latest data shows that of those customers who applied for a home insurance quote through the website between September 2007 and August 2009, and had previously been burgled, thefts occurred with more frequency during October, December and January, with the worst month for burglary being November.

Meanwhile, the recent 2008/2009 British Crime Survey noted a one per cent rise in domestic burglaries in the past year, with one of the major factors determining whether you fall victim to burglary being the lack of home security measures.
Protect your home from burglars

According to Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com, home security should be high on everyone's agenda.

He explained: "Although having a solid home insurance policy is the best way to combat the effects of burglary, prevention is always better than cure.

"Home security has become increasingly important over the past year as recession fuelled burglaries appear to be on the rise.

"Investing in something as simple as security lights or even taking the time to set the alarm before you leave the house can mean the difference between having peace of mind and becoming another crime statistic."
How can you protect your home?

1: Invest in a full alarm system: Don't be tempted to buy a dummy alarm just because they're cheaper, as a determined burglar will easily be able tell the difference. If you have to buy a dummy unit, get it from a recognised alarm company and make sure the company logo is clearly displayed.

2: Clean the visible parts of your alarm system: A dusty or rusted alarm box tells a burglar that your alarm system is not maintained by a professional and may signal to burglars that it is not maintained.

3: Plant painful shrubbery: Barbed wire isn't exactly legal on domestic properties but planting hawthorn, holly or ornamental brambles at key points in your garden like back walls and under windows is a cheap, natural (and legal) deterrent to burglars.

4: Don't always think that having a dog in the house is a deterrent: Burglars know that if you have a dog in your property you are less likely to set your house alarm at night for fear the animal will set off the motion sensors. So be vigilant about always switching your alarm system on.

5: Lock doors and windows even if you're in the garden or have popped next door: Remember to lock windows and doors when you're out and remove all keys. Many burglaries occur when a property is empty but opportunist thieves may enter your property if they think you are distracted.

For more on home security please visit http://www.confused.com/home-insurance