• 73 per cent worry about leaving their home to go on holiday*
• 60 percent worry about the security of their windows and doors to avoid break ins*
• Nearly half of all Australians surveyed said they worried about home invasions*

New consumer research fromChubb Fire & Security shows the high levels of anxiety experienced aroundhome security and comes at a time when people have valuable Christmas giftsstored in their homes increasing the temptation for burglars.

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Couple this withAustralian insurance statistics that show someone is burgled every one and aquarter minutes**, and while prevention at all times of the year is important itis especially so at Christmas time. Families do however have inexpensive options to increase security in andaround the home. 

Deborah Garnier fromChubb Fire & Security says the research shows people are worried abouttheir homes this holiday season, but a few simple steps can help prevent theworst from happening. 

“A few momentstaken doing simple things such as locking doors and windows, making sure locksare well fitted, and ensuring alarms are installed properly and maintainedregularly, greatly reduce the risk of costly property crime.  We don’t believe people should live in fearof crime, just be well prepared for any home emergency, including other issuessuch as fire safety and first aid.”

Chubb Fire &Security has a range of domestic products that can increase security including monitoredwireless alarms that, when combined with Chubb’s home safety tips, means youcan sleep easy so Santa can visit.

Chubb Top 10 Christmas Security tips

1. Always secure and lock your doors and windows, even if you are just popping out or when you are in the back garden - about one in four burglaries happen simply because the householder left windows or doors unlocked.

2. Don't store keys near the door particularly where they can be seen and never hang a spare key inside the letter box or hidden in a convenient hiding place – use a key safe if you need to leave a key outside.

3. Secure garages and sheds - they are often full of expensive tools that are not only costly to lose but ideal to use for breaking into the rest of the house.

4. Don't leave Christmas presents under the tree in full view of burglars who may be peering through windows - keep them in a secure place until the big day.

5. Don't put your empty boxes from Christmas presents (or any new purchases) out until your recycling collection day and make sure you break up the boxes - the boxes and wrappings provide burglars with just the information they are looking for to see what new gadgets and items await them inside.

6. Code your goods with an engraver, or a permanent or ultra-violet marker pen depending on the type of object being marked - this will make it harder for a thief to sell the items and easier for the police to identify the true owner if they are recovered.

7. Note down the serial numbers of all electrical goods such as TVs, videos, computers and camera equipment and keep the list out of sight in a secure place. It is also a good idea to photograph valuable items such as jewellery and pictures as this will help with identification if the items are recovered.

8. Install a simple timer on lights to make it look like someone is home;

9. Cancel your newspapers for the period you are away and arrange for someone to empty your letterbox regularly; and

10. Tell your trusted neighbours if you’re going away. Agree to look out for your neighbours’ property if you are staying, whilst they are away.

ENDS
For more information contact:

DanielMarks
Chubb Australasia (A UTC Fire & Security Company)
Tel: (02) 9930-4433 Mobile:0401-779-055
daniel.marks@chubb.com.au 

*McCrindle research Nov, 2009

** AAMI– Home Insurance – Home Protection Hints – Burglary http://www.aami.com.au/home-insurance/home-protection-hints/burglary.aspx