Moving to a safe neighbourhood?

The winter months are traditionally a quiet time of year for house moves, but if you are planning to relocate in 2013 now’s the time to start your research. There are so many elements that factor into making a place a desirable one in which to live – good schools, leisure facilities, transport links and security and community spirit.

Moving to a new area can be unnerving when you don’t know your way around, or any of the locals, as such security can be one consideration. Rushing into a move without exploring the neighbourhood or wider region could lead you to feel less than settled when you move in and in some of the worst cases, land you with a property that you are unable to sell on in the future. So, what kind of checks can you make to ensure you are moving into a safe neighbourhood?

In the first instance you can check the Policeuk website. Here you’ll find local crime statistics by street or area, so you’ll be able to identify if you are moving into a particularly troublesome neighbourhood. You can also find out what type of crimes are being committed in the area so that you can be prepared. For example, should there be a high instance of car break-ins you might concentrate your property search on homes with secure garages or if there have been a spate of burglaries, you could install a monitored alarm system.

This recently published interactive graphic from security specialists ADT is also a useful tool. It uses the firm’s statistics to show where and when their monitored alarms go off and highlights problem areas and times.

Of course, there are very few communities that remain completely crime-free and many good areas do suffer crime problems. Be sure to visit properties during the day and evening to get a more accurate feel for the area. Chat to neighbours and call into local shops to find out whether current residents are happy and friendly and ultimately help you decide whether it’s a community you’d like to be part of.

THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTISING FEATURE FOR ADT ALARMS

Know Your Locks or Invalidate Your Insurance

If you’re confused about your household locks then it could invalidate your insurance if you give your insurer the wrong information.  It’s important when moving into a new home or renewing your insurance that you give your insurer valid and accurate information and that means knowing the locks on your external doors.

So, can you tell the difference between a multi-locking system and a mortice deadlock?  If your insurer were to ask what front door lock you have, could you answer them correctly?  Many people often take a wild guess when it comes to these questions and this could prove catastrophic if you ever need to make a claim.  Many homeowners don’t realise just how important it is to furnish insurers with the right information.

Insurers need to know how well your home is protected so they can work out the most suitable cover for you.  That doesn’t mean you have to learn all there is to know about locks or turn your home into Fort Knox, but it does mean your insurer will be more likely to pay out if they are happy that your home was adequately secured at the time of a burglary.

The Metropolitan Police security guidelines advise that: “The door should be fitted preferably with a five-lever mortice deadlock, though insurance companies will accept a rim automatic deadlock; both must be to British Standard 3621.”

If you’re having trouble telling your mortice deadlocks from your key-operated multi-locking system you’re not alone!  Many insurance companies are now helping customers by including images of the most popular types of locks on their website.  These illustrations are available during the quote process and give you a good indication of the lock you have and whether it is at an acceptable level of security for the insurer to consider your application.

Head of home insurance at Confused.com, Mark Gabriel, says: “People often don’t realise how important it is to know their lock type, in fact a lot of people guess and get it wrong.

“But it’s so important to get right. Some are more secure than others, so if you’ve given your insurance provider the wrong information you might be underinsured, which could invalidate your policy. “It’s a detail many people overlook so this new picture system just clears up any confusion.”

As well as locks, the Met security guidelines go further, saying: “Quality locks are only as strong as the doors and frames to which they are attached. Ensure that the frame is sound and the door suitable for external use; for instance, a wooden hollow core door would not be suitable.”

To get an insurance quote or advice concerning your needs please complete the form below, clearly stating your requirement in the title.