Chubb Australasia
149-155 Milton St
Ashfield NSW 2131
Australia
Tel +61 (0) 2 9930 4222
Chubb Security Holdings Australia Ltd. ACN 003 590 921
MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED: 00:01 Hours, 17 December, 2009
Don’t let Burglars Steal Your Christmas Cheer
Three quarters of Australians worry about Christmas security
73 per cent worry about leaving their home to go on holiday*
60 percent worry about the security of their windows and doors to avoid break
ins*
Nearly half of all Australians surveyed said they worried about home invasions*
New consumer research
from Chubb Fire &
Security
shows
the high levels of
anxiety experienced around home security
and comes at a time when people have
valuable Christmas gifts stored in their homes increasing the temptation for
burglars.
Couple this with Australian insurance statistics that show someone is burgled
every one
and a quarter minutes**,
and while
prevention at
all times of the year is important it is
especially so
at Christmas
time. Families do however have inexpensive options to
increase security in and around the home.
Deborah Garnier
from Chubb Fire & Security says the research shows people are worried
about their homes this holiday season,
but a few simple steps can help prevent the worst
from happening.
“A few moments taken doing simple things such as locking doors
and windows, making
sure locks are well fitted,
and ensuring alarms are installed properly
and maintained
regularly, greatly reduce the risk of costly property crime. We don’t believe people should
live in fear of crime, just be well prepared for any home emergency, including other issues
such as fire safety and first aid.”
Chubb Fire &
Security
has
a range of domestic products that can increase security
including monitored wireless alarms that,
when combined
with Chubb’s home safety tips,
means you can sleep easy so Santa can visit.
Chubb Top 10 Christmas Security tips
1.
Always secure and lock your doors and windows, even if you are just popping out or
when you are in the back garden - about one in four burglaries happen simply
because the householder left windows or doors unlocked.
2.
Don't store keys near the door particularly where they can be seen and never hang a
spare key inside the letter box or hidden in a convenient hiding place – use a key safe
if you need to leave a key outside.
3.
Secure garages and sheds - they are often full of expensive tools that are not only
costly to lose but ideal to use for breaking into the rest of the house.
4.
Don't leave Christmas presents under the tree in full view of burglars who may be
peering through windows - keep them in a secure place until the big day.
Chubb Australasia
149-155 Milton St
Ashfield NSW 2131
Australia
Tel +61 (0) 2 9930 4222
Chubb Security Holdings Australia Ltd. ACN 003 590 921
5.
Don't put your empty boxes from Christmas presents (or any new purchases) out until
your recycling collection day and make sure you break up the boxes - the boxes and
wrappings provide burglars with just the information they are looking for to see what
new gadgets and items await them inside.
6.
Code your goods with an engraver, or a permanent or ultra-violet marker pen
depending on the type of object being marked - this will make it harder for a thief to
sell the items and easier for the police to identify the true owner if they are recovered.
7.
Note down the serial numbers of all electrical goods such as TVs, videos, computers
and camera equipment and keep the list out of sight in a secure place. It is also a
good idea to photograph valuable items such as jewellery and pictures as this will
help with identification if the items are recovered.
8.
Install a simple timer on lights to make it look like someone is home;
9.
Cancel your newspapers for the period you are away and arrange for someone to
empty your letterbox regularly; and
10. Tell your trusted neighbours if you’re going away. Agree to look out for your
neighbours’ property if you are staying, whilst they are away.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Daniel Marks
Chubb Australasia (A UTC Fire & Security Company)
Tel: (02) 9930-4433 Mobile: 0401-779-055
daniel.marks@chubb.com.au
* McCrindle research Nov, 2009
insurance/home-protection-hints/burglary.aspx
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