As the peak holiday season approaches, QBE Insurance has warned about a worrying trend of up to 15% more theft claims made during the festive period than any other time of the year. However, a good relationship with your neighbour could make your home safer.
QBE's latest report revealed that one in three (35%) of the respondents claimed that they know someone who has had their home robbed or vandalised while on holiday, while a further 8% had experienced it for themselves.
Eleanor Debelle, the chief customer officer for personal lines at QBE, urges Australians to take safety precautions to protect their belongings.
“Now is the time to get back to basics when it comes to home security and make sure you prepare your home before heading off on that much needed holiday with family or friends. After all, most of us haven't had to lock up and leave our homes for much of 2020 and might be a bit out of practice,” Debelle said.
The report also showed that three in four Australians felt more comfortable going on holidays if they knew that their neighbours were keeping an eye on their home. With 80% of Australians having spent more time at home this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, QBE said it might have helped Australians become better neighbours.
One in three (33%) of the respondents claimed that they know their neighbours better now than in previous years. Meanwhile, 61% said they would like an even better relationship with their neighbours, especially if it could improve their home security.
“Reaching out to people who live nearby could be a great way to enhance your security and also build on that sense of community that has started to develop over the year,” Debelle said.
