Nick Smith MP has urged householders in Blaenau Gwent to be vigilant after as part of a campaign to identify burglary hotspots.

The Blaenau Gwent MP is asking people to take five easy steps to help secure their homes and reduce the likelihood of burglary.

The call comes as MoneySuperMarket revealed that in every 1,000 insurance quotes they handle, 9.4 claims are made for burglaries.

Speaking after the figures were revealed, Mr Smith said  “Despite burglaries in Blaenau Gwent being below the big hotspots this research highlights that people must remain vigilant to protect their homes from theft.

“I would urge all of my constituents to take care of their homes by taking simple precautions.”

The five tips are:

1. Always keep doors and windows locked when your home is unoccupied and when you’re asleep at night
2. Install timers on your lights, so they come on at night when you’re not home
3. Ensure items of value are kept away from easy view through windows and don’t leave house or car keys where they can be reached through a letterbox
4. Install and use a suitable alarm system and join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
5. Ensure your home contents insurance is fully up to date and provides enough cover for all your belongings

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said:  “Burglars have two thoughts uppermost in their minds: where am I most likely to find something worth stealing and where am I least likely to get caught?

“The best way to avoid the emotional turmoil and financial distress associated with a burglary is to be vigilant, make a concerted effort to secure your home and put in place the safety net of appropriate contents insurance in case the worst should happen.”

For more information, visit http://www.moneysupermarket.com/hubs/burglary-hotspots/