Goody jewellery heist highlights importance of home insurance

The news that former Big Brother contestant Jade Goody has had £56,000 worth of jewellery stolen from her home in Essex should serve as notice to other homeowners about the importance of maintaining adequate security.

Goody was burgled after supposedly leaving her valuables - which included a Tiffany necklace and designer watches and rings - on display in her home with the window open.

As a result, Asda has called on homeowners to make sure that valuables are kept locked away, and that adequate home insurance policies are in place.

What's more, Asda's head of insurance, Gideon Ingham, has advised that the installation of a home alarm system can not only act as a deterrent but also lower insurance premiums.

"Many households across the country will have at least a few precious items of jewellery and family heirlooms in their possession," Mr Ingham commented.

"In some cases, such as Jade Goody, these can be worth several thousand pounds and we urge people to keep their valuables out of sight and preferably locked in a safe."

Goody shot to fame after publicising her complete lack of geographical knowledge in the Big Brother house by asking whether East Anglia was "abroad".

18/06/2008 17:15:37