Home insurance claims tend to increase as the evenings grow darker in the latter months of the year.
This is according to new research from Halifax Home Insurance, which showed the provider dealt with 9,000 burglary cases in winter 2011.
The insurer is therefore urging homeowners to place a greater emphasis on security as the clocks go back, as would-be thieves are using the longer nights to target more dwellings.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said: “Being burgled causes homeowners a great deal of stress and upset, not to mention the financial loss. We often see these claims rise around this time of year.”
Mr Foulds noted typical burglary claims come to more than £1,500, adding some items – such as family heirlooms – would be impossible to replace if stolen.
The provider recommended a number of measures to make sure their homes do not represent an easy target for thieves, including keeping valuables out of sight, using an ultraviolet pen to mark property with a postcode and fitting locks that are visible and operated by key.