Burglary sparks home insurance warning
Maxwell Kusi Obodum • Published 21 Sep 2010 12:30
Share this
POLICE chiefs have warned residents that insurance companies could refuse to pay up if homeowners have failed to take sufficient safety precautions before being burgled.
It follows a burglary Caversham two weeks ago where the insurance company rejected the victim’s claim because they failed to double lock the front door.
Reading crime reduction advisor John McNicholas said: “Simple home security steps are vital not only to keep burglars out but also to ensure that if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a burglary your insurance will be valid.
“If your home is not properly locked you may not only face the trauma of the break-in itself, but you could discover your insurance company will not pay up.”
He added he was concerned about the growing number of people risking their safety by failing to take out insurance at all. He said “This is something we are seeing more often. It may be because people are trying to save themselves some money each month, or it may be that it has simply passed their mind, but if you are burgled and you are not insured you will not be able to replace your stolen goods.
“Home security and home insurance should go hand in hand - make sure you are both secure and insured.”
Contact 08458 505 505 or see www.thamesvalley.police.uk
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 21 Sep 10
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
