Opportunistic thieves targeting occupied holiday homes

With many Britons heading to holiday homes for a summer break, new research released today (July 15th) has revealed that burglars are over twice as likely to strike when they are occupied.

Saga Holiday Home Insurance conducted a study which showed that 71 per cent of thefts from holiday homes occur when Britons are staying in them, contrary to popular belief.

In an admission which underlines the importance of having home insurance, the firm explained that thieves are waiting to pounce on holiday-makers' complacency.

Chief executive Andrew Goodsell said: "Many people mistakenly believe that their holiday homes are more at risk when they're unoccupied, however our research clearly shows that this is not the case.

"The majority of burglaries are opportunistic thieves that rely on us being in the holiday mindset, a door left unlocked whilst we go for a swim is a perfect opportunity for them to strike, but could so easily be avoided."

The research also revealed that nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of all claims for holiday homes are theft-related, while the value of a claim if a home is occupied almost doubles on average - rising to £2,250 from £1,370.

15/07/2008 17:05:25