AN insurance expert is warning homeowners about the dangers of complacency after police figures revealed a drop in household burglaries in Wales during lockdown.

Gwent recorded a 19 per cent drop in reported household burglaries for the year to December 2020, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the second highest fall of Wales' four police force areas.

John Murphy, of insurance broker Lycetts, is urging homeowners to step up their home security before their return to the office and going on holiday, as he fears the government’s stay at home order caused a lapse in vigilance.

Overall, the ONS reports that household burglaries in England and Wales fell by almost one quarter (22 per cent) during lockdown, which it attributed to the national lockdown restrictions, as people spent more time in their homes.

In Wales, 7,902 residential burglaries were reported to police in the year ending December 2020, which represented a 21 per cent drop on last year.

Of these burglaries, 3,323 took place in South Wales, a 17 per cent drop, 2,065 were reported in Gwent (19 per cent fall), 1,570 in North Wales (35 per cent fall), and 944 in Dyfed-Powys (nine per cent fall).

Mr Murphy said that the lifting of restrictions and end to the home working directive will see people spending more time out of their homes and urged homeowners to ensure that their security systems are up-to-date and fit-for-purpose.

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“With homes occupied day and night during the pandemic, burglaries were not as appealing to criminals, as the chances of being caught increased manifold,” said Mr Murphy.

“It is understandable that the rate of household burglaries dropped during lockdown - and though this is positive news, there is a very real danger that homeowners have become lax about home security as a result.

“This plays into the hands of would-be burglars and creates bountiful opportunities, post-lockdown.

“As we return to a sense of normality, and homes are empty for longer periods of time - with homeowners returning to the office, socialising, and holidaying - homes could once again become prime targets and a rise in burglaries could follow.

“It is vital homeowners do not rest on their laurels and have measures in place for emerging from this crisis - and from our homes. This includes ensuring that home security systems, from alarms and security lighting to cameras and smart locks, are in good working order and any software and cyber security updates have been made.”

As well as checking security systems, Mr Murphy said homeowners should review their home insurance policies to ensure that the level of cover is correct.

High value items that have been purchased in the pandemic may have impacted the level of cover needed and leave homeowners exposed to being under-insured.

“Working from home means that many of us acquired additional technology, such as computers and laptops,” added Mr Murphy.

“Home improvement projects have also soared in the pandemic and with extra space comes additional furniture, home entertainment tech, and other home goods. Ensure to check that your policy offers sufficient cover, particularly if you have made high value purchases or carried out improvements to your home during lockdown.

“Failure to do so could put you at risk of a significant shortfall should you need to make a claim in the event of a loss.”