7.4 million residents to stay at home for celebrations as a result
One in six Brits, or 7.4 million people, plan tol stay at home on New Year’s Eve this year for fear of being burgled, research from Abbey Insurance has revealed.
"[This is] not surprising given that 1.1 million Brits have been burgled in the past on New Year’s Eve," the company said in a statement.
77 per cent of the British population told the insurer they would "fret about the safety of their home and its contents" on New Year’s Eve and take precautions to deter potential burglars.
Home Insurance spokesperson at Abbey, Anthony Frost, said: "Perhaps recent high profile burglaries, such as those of Liverpool footballers Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt, have served as a timely reminder as to what can happen to your home when burglars know you’re not in.”
Over 35 million homeowners plan to leave lights and/or televisions on to give the impression that they are at home on New Year’s Eve.
Though residents of the South East have been burgled the most, residents in the North of England are the most worried about being burgled this New Years Eve.
Abbey’s research also found that 23 million people made no attempt this year to hide the packaging that their Christmas presents came in when disposing of it, and as a result risked advertising the contents of their home to potential burglars after Christmas.
The same proportion did not hide our Christmas presents from view before 25 December, and left them on display under our trees visible to all.
Frost added: "At this time of year, it’s common for opportunist burglars to take advantage of our well-stocked homes, especially if they can readily see the contents on display. The long dark nights and Christmas party season also provide opportunities for burglars."
