Direct Line Home Insurance urges consumers to protect against Christmas thieves

Britons will spend a total of £7.7 billion, or £300 each, on gifts this Christmas but will remain at risk from burglars, Direct Line Home Insurance has found.

According to the Home Office there were almost one million burglaries last year, a fifth of which took place because people failed to take basic measures to protect their property.

During the 2003 Christmas period, from December 1 to mid-January, Direct Line experienced a 20 per cent (£214 average) increase in the value of claims made by customers whose homes have been burgled.

Simon Ziviani, from Direct Line Home Insurance, commented: "In the winter months our experience shows that burglars are more likely to select homes they know are empty, break in at specific times and rob at leisure, with presents under the Christmas tree acting as an added incentive.

"Increased darkness equals increased opportunity for burglars to go about their business uninterrupted. It is important homeowners consider reviewing their security arrangements and take extra precautions to ensure a safe and happy Christmas period."

Direct Line claims that what makes crime particularly easy for burglars is that many presents are left on full view, with the research highlighting that in a typical home, £230 of gifts may be left under the Christmas tree.

The research also highlights that many people will receive presents that burglars traditionally find easy to sell-on, making them attractive theft targets.