Every day, thousands of us make ourselves more vulnerable to theft without even knowing it.
We all know never to leave the car keys in the ignition and you’d have to be pretty naïve to announce your holiday plans on Twitter.
Although insurance may pay out to cover the cost of stolen belongings, becoming the victim of theft could push up your premiums in the future. In some extreme cases an insurance company may refuse to pay out if you have been negligent with your belongings before they were stolen.
Here are seven ways you could inadvertently make yourself more vulnerable to crime.
1. Keeping documents in the car
You might think keeping important documents in your car such as insurance information and registration will help in the event of a breakdown.
However, this move could make things easier for a criminal. With registration documents in hand, the thief could more easily masquerade as the car's real owner and sell your vehicle.
2. Showing you’re nervous
Muggers can be experts in body language. If you give the impression you are lost, nervous or somewhat worse for wear, you could make yourself an attractive target.
Instead try to walk with confidence. Although there are no guarantees, a wannabe mugger may leave you alone if he or she thinks you would put up a fight.
3. Flaunting your wealth
Electronic goods and expensive jewellery are extremely attractive to muggers. If a thief notices one of these desirable items, you are immediately at greater risk.
Try to conceal expensive items beneath your clothing and avoid listening to your iPod in areas you suspect are unsafe.
Likewise, it could be a mistake to leave luggage in your car or display car keys in full view of the living room window.
4. Picking the wrong parking spot
According to the AA, approximately 20% of car crime takes place in car parks.
If at all possible, be discerning about your choice of parking space. Choosing a well supervised spot with security cameras will reduce the risk of theft.
5. Not having green fingers
Plenty of us put off working in the garden through lack of time and energy. In doing so, we could be making our homes more vulnerable to burglary.
An overgrown garden can give thieves the chance to lurk undetected and gain entry into your home.
6. Forgetting to forward your mail
Forgetting to set up a redirection service on your post when you move house might seem harmless. However, this kind of oversight could put you at risk of identity theft.
By opening your post, a thief may be able to get hold of personal information and even apply for credit in your name.
7. Sticking to a routine
Some thieves choose victims who observe the same patterns every day. If you always walk along a certain street at a particular time, a mugger may know when you'll be vulnerable. Small alterations to your routine could take you off a criminal's radar.
By Katy ward
