Burglary is one of the most unpleasant experiences a home owner or tenant can suffer. The potential loss of valuable or sentimental possessions and the feeling that an uninvited stranger could invade ones home is a frightening thought for many.

To alleviate these fears, it is useful to know that all insurance companies and brokers make no secret of the fact that by providing security for your home in a manner which meets with their approval you could be eligible for substantial discounts when purchasing home insurance.

The Association of British Insurers represents most insurance companies operating in the UK and has provided a very useful fact sheet entitled “Property: Beat the Burglar”. Contained with the guide includes information on insurance approved  security measures such as window locks, external door locks and bolts conforming to BS3621 standard, safe places to leave keys, common sense precautions when leaving your home unoccupied for either a short period or long holiday, dealing with strange callers, property marking, alarm systems and neighbourhood schemes.

Other useful security related organisations relevant for insurance purposes include the NSI or National Security Inspectorate which is an independent, not-for-profit approvals body providing inspection services for the security and fire industries. Some insurance companies may insist your alarm system is both installed and also maintained by a NSI approved security company.

For information on how to join an existing neighbourhood watch scheme or set up a new scheme in the area around your home visit the link above.