While recently released British Crime Survey (BCS) statistics suggest that crime has stabilised and in some cases even declined, it would be wise for vehicle owners to remain alert regarding vehicle security. Incidences of vandalism, theft and burglary are still high enough to be of concern.

Based on the 2008/09 BCS, vehicle related theft figures have remained stable. This has been largely attributed to the fact that newer cars are harder to steal. Over 90% of all vehicle-owning households surveyed reported that their primary vehicle had central locking, while 67% reported that it had an alarm. Of all the cars and vans reported stolen during this period, only 64% had central locking and 40% had an alarm. 

Since 2007 the Home Office has collected data about instances of vehicle theft occurring during burglaries. These are generally referred to as ‘car key’ burglaries. Overall, 7% of home burglaries in the latest survey involved the theft of a vehicle, compared to 6% as reported in the previous report released in 2007/08. Car keys were stolen in 9% of burglaries, even if the vehicle wasn’t taken at the same time.  

Between 2007/08 and 2008/09 a decrease in the number of vehicle related offences was recorded by the police. The report revealed that motor vehicle theft declined by 14%. The most common types of car theft involve forced ignition, vehicles being towed and thieves using car keys to gain access to the vehicle.

Extra security devices can lower car insurance premiums, as protected vehicles pose a lower risk. In addition such vehicles are less likely to be stolen, and therefore less likely to result in the inconvenience of a claim.

About Prudential Insurance

Prudential is a leading UK provider of affordable car insurance policies. Their motor insurance policies offer protection against fire, theft and third party claims. Visit http://www.pru.co.uk/insurance_protection/car_insurance/ for more information or a free car insurance quote today.

Prepare the perfect Valentine’s dinner for two at home

Valentine’s Day for some is all about finding the perfect restaurant and enjoying fine dining. But Prudential, leading providers of house insurance in the UK, suggest that home owners try something a little different this year: stay at home and cook up a storm! Not only are you sure to impress the love in your life, but you‘ll also have complete control over the mood, the music and... the menu!

While cooking a fantastic meal for Valentine’s Day might not be as easy as getting a household insurance quote from Prudential, there is really nothing to it, provided you relax and enjoy the whole experience.

Cooking might be something you do for each other all year round, but it’s easy to make this a special occasion. If you enjoy cooking as a couple, then make a day of it and shop at local markets together, trying things you would normally overlook.

Consider buying a few aphrodisiacs, like oysters or caviar and incorporate some chilli into the mix. If seafood is not up your alley, then incorporate something new into your Valentine's Day dinner to make it stand out from the norm. Some other well known aphrodisiacs include chocolate, bananas and even asparagus.

Set your table with your favourite dinnerware; dress it up a little with rose petals, flowers and of course candles! Add a bottle of good wine, or better yet, a fancy bottle of bubbly. Aim to clean up as you cook so you can minimise the mess afterwards, but leave the dishes until the next morning – the evening should be completely focused on enjoying each other’s company!

Your meal need not be an elaborate chore: even a simple macaroni and cheese served with enough attention to detail can make for a wonderfully romantic evening. Just add candles, wine and a smile and be amazed at the results.

C: wait...

Hosting a New Years Eve party is a noble enterprise, as long as you are prepared to allow all the drinkers to sleep over and take away their car keys. Keep an eye on the designated drivers too, it may be tempting to accidently overindulge in the spirit of the evening.

It’s a good idea to make sure everyone who is invited will walk, call a taxi or catch a night bus home. If you have some extra space then offer a spare room or a couch to those who can’t say no to another drink.

Also pack away any valuables or heirlooms which may be broken or damaged by a rowdy crowd and designate at least one room out of bounds so there is somewhere to retreat to for a moments peace, and to hang all the coats and safely hold the handbags and so on which come with the guests. Check that your home insurance policy has you covered for accidental breakages and find out if you are covered if you chose to host a party at home. Every home insurance provider has a different policy, so read the fine print on yours before you send out the invites.

Now that the serious stuff is behind us, it’s time to focus on the fun.

Make sure you have enough space for everyone, and suggest parking for the guests. Provide as much seating as possible and if it is to be just a drinks party, then have at least a few snacks on hand for hungry revellers.

Make sure you have enough cooler space for all the drinks, and consider filling a tub with ice and water if not. Or store the drinks in a safe spot in garden – December weather will keep them at the right temperature!

Make sure you have a few people willing to help you clean up the following day, and phone round all your friends and family to make sure they got home safely. Happy New Year!

Please note that Churchill does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of the article above.