Insurers could reject more burglary claims under police plans

Property owners who are burgled after leaving windows or doors unlocked could have their insurance claims turned down under new plans by Greater Manchester Police.

The police want to slash the rate of ‘insecurity’ break-ins, which amount to a third of all burglaries across Manchester’s Tameside region every year.

Police in the area will tell insurers if an insecure burgulary has happened, and insurers can then decide whether to pay the claim, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Currently insurers request crime reference numbers from the police, but rarely ask for more details about the crime.

Police hope the move will lead homeowners to take more responsibility for their security.

Chief inspector Steve McFarlane said: “We have had reductions in burglaries year on year, but an area we haven’t been able to tackle effectively is insecurity.

“We’ve raised awareness in the media, leafleted properties. You can tell people, but whether they act on it is a different matter.

“If you leave your keys in your car when you are defrosting it on a cold morning and someone drives off in it, the insurance company don’t pay out. What’s the difference between leaving your engine running on the drive to leaving your door unlocked?”

Chief superintendent Nick Adderley added: “Insecurities are definitely on the increase and once the warmer weather comes, even more so. People are becoming more complacent, leaving valuables on display.

“Is it right that those who do take care should be forced to pay higher premiums because of those people who just can’t be bothered to lock the door?

“It is radical, it’s going to be unpopular but it’s something I will defend.”