Break-ins to sheds and garages occur all too often across the country.
Many criminals consider this type of crime low risk, however there is a lot you can do to outsmart them.
A few simple changes can greatly improve the security of your property.
Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has today given energy bosses a deadline of Tuesday to report back to him on what remedial action – such as providing compensation – they plan to take should they have wrongfully installed prepayment meters in the homes of vulnerable customers.
It comes in the wake of British Gas admitting fault as a result of the Times investigation which showed even those with small children or medical conditions have not been shown forbearance, with reports of debt collectors breaking into homes to install the equipment.
But these findings by The Times newspaper follow several reviews by Ofgem of the services provided by energy suppliers, which have not identified this unacceptable behaviour – or other significant shortcomings – and have in some cases even given companies a clean bill of health.
Therefore the Business Secretary has today told Ofgem to toughen up on energy suppliers and investigate the customers’ experience of how their supplier is performing.
He called on the regulator to set up a new customer reporting system for households to pass on their own stories of how they are being treated – especially those who are vulnerable – and not just rely on energy firm bosses to share information with their regulator.
Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said: “ I am appalled that vulnerable customers struggling with their energy bills have had their homes invaded and prepayment meters installed when there is a clear duty on suppliers to provide them with support. They need to refocus their efforts on their consumers, the British public, who are at the receiving end of this abhorrent behaviour.
“ I’m also concerned the regulator is too easily having the wool pulled over their eyes by taking at face value what energy companies are telling them. They need to also listen to customers to make sure this treatment of vulnerable consumers doesn’t happen again.”
News reports across the country have highlighted examples of the forced installation of prepayment meters in the homes of those who are struggling to pay their bills.
The regulator has also been asked to toughen up their reviews, going beyond the company headquarters to find out what is really happening in people’s homes by hearing from them directly and engaging more with charities and other groups that represent consumers.
Currently, energy suppliers are required to provide Ofgem with information to demonstrate how they comply with the rules on supporting vulnerable consumers, on customers struggling to pay and on the fitting of prepayment meters.
The Business Secretary wants to see the voices of consumers and those who champion their needs heard when deciding which energy companies are meeting expectations – with a customer reporting hotline being just one example we would want the regulator to consider.
On Thursday night a number of suppliers announced they would suspend forced installations after being pushed by Ofgem to pause the practice while they reassure the regulator they’re complying with the rules.
However, just over a week ago the Business Secretary launched a crackdown on the mistreatment of energy users by suppliers, already asking them to voluntarily commit to stopping this practice. He also demanded they share the number of warrants they’ve applied for in recent months and plans to publish the findings.
Earlier this week the Energy and Climate Minister also met British Gas CEO Chris O’Shea and expressed his horror at recent reports. He made it clear this kind of behaviour is unacceptable, especially from such a key and longstanding British company.
He urged Mr O’Shea to take urgent steps to repair the damage done to British Gas’ reputation and urgently come back to him outlining the role he will personally take to fix these cultural issues.
The British Gas boss was also told by the Minister that vulnerable, mistreated customers need to be identified and redress provided. He will be monitoring matters extremely closely to make sure this happens.
Last month the Business Secretary and Energy and Climate Minister called energy suppliers to voluntarily stop force fitting prepayment meters:
Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.
Experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.
New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.
The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost one third, 31%, confirming they had.
Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles.
Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.
“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car. Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.
“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street. If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.
“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount. If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily. Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”
To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.
Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.
If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.
Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance
