Burglary Risk in UK - Lowest In Preston

People living in Preston may make a saving on their home insurance after a survey revealed that they are the least likely to be burgled residents in the country.

While those with London addresses are the most at risk, the Lancashire city is rated as the safest in the UK, according to research carried out by home insurance company Endsleigh.

The firm used household theft claims made by its policy-holders over a four-year period to rank areas.

Results showed that Preston residents were around 67% less likely to suffer a break-in than the national average. Norwich and Ipswich came in second and third places.

London homes were found to be 55% more likely to be burgled than the national average, with Nottingham, Bristol and Cambridge properties also presenting a high risk of being broken into.

Endsleigh spokeswoman Rhiannon Harris warned that every householder in the country should be aware of the possibility of burglary. She said: "It's crucial that, as well as helping the success of neighbourhood safety schemes where they can, people across the country remain vigilant when it comes to home security."

Discount Vouchers For Home Security

Homeowners are to be offered discount vouchers for security equipment to protect their homes against recession-fuelled burglaries.

It is hoped that the extra protection will put worried householders' minds at ease as well as reducing the number of home insurance claims for crime.

The DIY store money-off scheme is one measure introduced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to prevent a rise in burglaries during the economic crisis, after an increase of 4% between July and September last year.

Vouchers for 10% off will be contained in a free advice pack, which will tell homeowners the best way to protect their homes and a "before you leave the house" checklist to put by the front door.

B&Q and Focus DIY will offer customers reduced prices on items including alarms, window locks and timer switches.

Ms Smith said: "Burglary has more than halved in the last 10 years and I am determined to stay ahead of those criminals who think they can take advantage in tough times.

"I am delighted to have the support of leading DIY stores B&Q and Focus DIY in ensuring that home security equipment is as affordable as possible."

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Agency Counters Flood Risk Claims

The Environment Agency has countered claims by the Local Government Association (LGA) that homes are as much at risk of flooding now as they were two years ago.

The agency's reassurances on flood defences will be welcome news for householders looking for home insurance policies that will cover them against being inundated with water.

The LGA had said that homes remained as much at risk as in 2007 - when floods devastated parts of the country - because lessons learned have not been put into practice quickly enough.

But a spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We disagree with the recent comment made by the LGA. In fact, there are more people than ever before protected against the risk of flooding.

"We've completed 55 new flood defences since June 2007, increasing protection to more than 38,000 homes.

"We are pleased that the Government agrees that the Environment Agency is the right organisation to be given the strategic overview role for all types of flood and coastal risk in England and look forward to working with local authorities on their new role in managing surface water flooding."

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Liverpool alley gates scheme to reduce burglaries

Alley gates could be fitted across Liverpool as part of a £1.3 million scheme to cut crime in the city. It is hoped that the new gates on alleyways between houses will reduce the number of home insurance claims made for burglaries, and are in addition to the 5,700 already installed by Liverpool City Council at a cost of £10 million.

The news comes after an independent study of the scheme by the University of Huddersfield showed that 99% of residents in areas where gates have been fitted like having them.

The study also found that 150,000 people living in gated areas feel much safer and burglary rates have remained low after falls of up to 37% when the gates were fitted.

Councillors say the scheme has "helped prevent burglaries and incidents of anti-social behaviour" and as a result made residents feel safer in their homes.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, executive member for safer communities, said: "It is a great example of a simple idea that makes a massive difference to communities - making sure the elderly and vulnerable feel much more secure in their own homes and reducing incidents of fly tipping in alleyways."

Liverpool Council will now decided whether the "pioneering" scheme will be extended to include 100 new gate schemes over the next two years.

Flood Protection 'To Last 60 Years'

London will be protected from flooding by the Thames Barrier for at least the next 60 years, the Environment Agency has said.

The flood defences in the capital have provided a higher degree of protection than anticipated, according to research conducted by the agency, and the barrier will work until at least 2070.

The new study has increased its life span by 40 years as it was originally designed to provide protection in extreme weather events up to 2030.

The current network of flood defences on the Thames, upstream and downstream of the barrier, will need to be upgraded from around 2035, which is sure to interest home insurance providers.

A new barrier, or modifications to the current barrier will need to be operational by 2075 to protect the capital from rising sea levels and storm brought on by climate change.

The construction of a new Thames Barrier at Long Reach might be more economical than modifying the old one, according to economic analysis, but the existing protection will mean a decision need not be made until mid century.