With temperatures continuing to soar this week, insurance provider OUTsurance is urging homeowners and motorists to be vigilant for opportunistic burglars taking advantage of open windows and doors during the hot weather.
With many people leaving windows or back doors open to cope with the sweltering heat, and others rolling down car windows or letting the AC run before taking a trip, the opportunities for criminals are rife.
OUTsurance is advising people to take simple precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight in parked vehicles and putting away garden tools that could potentially be used to gain entry to a home, which can help people avoid unnecessary heartache.
Homeowners are encouraged to lock doors and windows whenever they leave the house, even for short periods. Similarly, they should be mindful of open windows in the house if they are spending time in the garden.
Motorists are also urged to take additional steps to be safe on the roads as the heat can affect driving conditions and lead to driver fatigue. For example, very hot weather can affect electric vehicles’ range, particularly with the air conditioning in frequent use. High temperatures can also increase the risk of tyre blowouts and place additional strain on cooling systems, making it important to check tyre pressures and fluid levels before longer journeys.
The added sunshine can also be a distraction for drivers, and with higher levels of traffic as people take trips, motorists should take extra care on the roads. Taking an emergency kit in the car with everyday items like water, sunscreen and a battery to charge electronic devices is also advised in the event of delays or breakdowns.
“Most people are loving the heatwave, but we have to be mindful that it is also an ideal time for opportunistic criminals, who literally can just walk through someone’s back door or grab something through a car window," said Ian Kennedy, CMO with OUTsurance. "A few simple precautions, like keeping valuables out of sight or checking your vehicle before a long journey, can make all the difference.
"While car insurance and home insurance can provide valuable protection if the worst happens, prevention is always the best defence," he added. "We want people to enjoy the sunshine, but we all need to do more than put on suncream as a few sensible steps to protect their property and vehicles can spare people from unnecessary heartache.”
