Thames Valley police have issued a warning to residents, urging them to make sure that their houses are secured properly at all times. Numerous homeowners in Milton Keynes have fallen victim to burglaries, with thieves gaining access to houses after taking advantage of unsecured cat flaps and letterboxes. According to officers in the Thames Valley police force, thieves have been making use of sticks or stick-like items to release the catches on doors which have been left unlocked by a key. These sticks are simply inserted through cat flaps and letterboxes and provide thieves with an easy way in to numerous properties.

Thames Valley police force was keen to emphasise that leaving a catch on a door without locking it with a key does not count as making it secure. Doors should never be considered as secure unless they have been double locked with a key. The police force also issued several other tips, all of which should be followed in order to deter thieves and avoid burglary. Homeowners should always lock their windows properly and never leave the keys in view. Indeed, it is advisable to hide keys in the back of a drawer after locking the door or window.

Homeowners, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable, should also be aware of people calling at the door pretending to offer a service. Unfortunately, these individuals are often surveying your home to assess the best way to enter in a discreet manner. Always ask for official identification and do not let strangers into the home.

The cold weather which has affected regions across the country during recent weeks has come as something of a shock to many people. Thermal clothing usually reserved for the French or Italian ski slopes has been dug out of the wardrobes in an attempt to keep warm in the frosty conditions. Now, homeowners have been urged by Lloyds TSB Insurance to look after their pipes and water tanks. Recently, the insurer has seen a fifteen per cent rise in burst pipe claims, with the average claim thought to be in the region of £1,400. However, claims can far exceed this figure, with one recent amount totalling £40,000. Phil Loney, the managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance, has revealed his sympathy for individuals who have been left surprised by the “cold snap”, particularly given the mild nature of winter last year.

Simple steps which can prevent damaging situations from arising include insulating external standpipes, locating the stopcock, gas valve, and ball valve, and planning well in advance if going away on a trip. In this situation, you should time your heating to come on for a certain period each day. If a leak does occur at any time, isolating it quickly and efficiently will minimise any damage to your home. In the meantime, you should also check your insurance policy in order to make sure that you will be covered in the event of a burst pipe. Water damage to floors, for example, will be covered under the majority of buildings insurance policies.