Homeowners have been advised to check their policy documents following the news that there has been an increase in burglaries over the summer months.

Research conducted by financial provider Saga Home Insurance has shown that over the previous ten years, the summer months and in particular 6th June is the day when many of its customers report that they have been burgled. Strangely it is the age range of the over 50's who are affected the most.

"If people are going away for a fortnight or just popping out for the evening, they should always check their property is as safe and secure as possible," Andrew Goodsell from Saga Group advised.

Homeowners polled actually feel less secure in their homes as a result of the recession adding more fuel to the 'read your documents' fire. Some of the reasons suggested for the increase during the summer months have been put down to more evenings away from the home and traditional family holydays, which leave the property vacant for a period of time.

More time away can increase burglaries

This has been backed up by Churchill home insurance who has found that the more time you spend away from your home the more at risk you are at being burgled."

Churchill Home Insurance has shown that averages of £3,288 worth of goods are stolen while the owners are away from their homes on holiday. The insurer reiterated that home owners should protect their belongings with home insurance.

Claire Foster, a spokesperson for Churchill Home Insurance, said: "Arriving back from a holiday or a quick break to discover your home has been broken into is an awful experience for anyone to endure. Whilst insurance cannot prevent burglary, it can provide reassurance that the monetary value of anything stolen is covered.

"We would urge homeowners to ensure their contents insurance is fully up to date and high value items are individually listed."

The usual suspects

The report has found that items which are stolen usually include DVDs, CDs, jewellery games consoles, laptops, mobile phones, cameras and MP3 players.

Churchill went on to recommend that removing valuables from view when going away for an extended period would very advisable.

The most at risk areas have been noted as the Nottingham area, as those that live in this part of the UK are almost twice as likely to suffer a break in.

The research conducted by Endlsleigh have looked back at their records over the past four years and have concluded that a claim for theft is twice as likely to come from someone living in Nottingham than in other crime hotspots such as Leeds or Hull.

Those living in a safe haven for burglaries can be found in Guildford, who polled bottom of the list. However, Nottingham MP Graham Allen was unimpressed with the findings.

He stated: 'Last year we dismissed the Endsleigh survey as it was shown to be not very thorough and didn't take into account a number of factors. The criticism stands this year.

In Nottingham we have one of the best reductions in crime over the last 18 months of anywhere in the country. It's just sloppy for people to go back to ideas about what's going on in the city. We are having to work very hard to shake off our reputation.'