People will be at an increased risk of burglary after the clocks go forward, according to
home insurance provider Saga.
In a statement, Paul Green, head of group communications at the firm, said that as the evenings become lighter, people often become less concerned with home security, with thieves attempting to capitalise on this.
"Lighter and warmer evenings often mean we spend more time outside and people leave windows open to let in the summer air," he commented, adding that it was essential to make sure windows are properly secured before leaving the house.
Nearly half of all burglaries occur when homes are empty, he noted, suggesting that for those planning vacations in the coming months, it is advisable to ask a neighbour to keep an eye on property.
According the British Crime Survey, there were approximately 733,000 burglaries in England and Wales in 2005-06, which amounts to roughly two in every 100 homes being broken into during the period.
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