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Study reveals ONE THIRD of all break ins and home-related crimes happen during summer in these UK seaside holiday hotspots
Here’s how tourists can protect themselves and their rentals
As the summer holidays are here, millions of Brits will be taking some time away with their loved ones. A recent report, however, reveals an interesting trend: domestic holidays to popular UK cities and seaside towns are topping the agenda this year.
While this might be good news for locals in European destinations like Greece or Majorca battling overtourism, it could lead to a spike in tourist numbers in British holiday hotspots.
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Overtourism refers to the congestion and overcrowding caused by an excess of tourists during peak periods, leading to issues like increased noise, pollution, and even crime.
A recent study by Homeprotect discovered that in 2023, over a third (36.1%) of all home-related crimes happen in holiday home hotspots during the summer months. This is surprising, especially as most statistics point towards winter being the worst time for it.
The specialist home insurance provider analysed crime data for home-related crimes e.g. burglary, criminal damage and arson in the most popular seaside resort towns between 2021 and 2024, to identify the holiday hotspots where staycationers are most likely to be affected.
Research revealed that Great Yarmouth has had the most home-related crimes of the seaside towns examined in the past three years, with a total of 3,049 crimes - 2,382 criminal damage and arson and 667 burglary cases.
Torquay is the second hotspot, with 2,588 home-related crimes reported in the last three years, closely followed by Ramsgate with 895.
Newquay, Whitstable and Herne Bay complete the top five UK seaside holiday home crime hotspots, with 729, 725 and 647 crimes reported over a three-year period, respectively.
David Joyson, Chief Customer Office at Homeprotect, commented on the findings:
“You might think break-ins would be a problem in the winter, but our study demonstrates that it’s just as likely to happen in summer in these UK holiday hotspots.
“Going on holiday should be relaxing and a time to switch off, but if you’re staying in a holiday rental, it’s important to take the same precautions as if you were in your own home.
“Here are some tips for holidaymakers on how to prevent break-ins and protect themselves during their staycation:
#1 Be extra vigilant with security
It’s vital to ensure your property is always secure during your stay.
This includes checking all doors and entryways are locked or secured during your stay, not leaving your belongings on display, not sharing security codes outside your group, closing curtains or blinds and ensuring security measures are in place and working at all times (e.g. cameras, security lights and alarm systems).
If there are any gaps in security, such as broken locks, report these to the property owner immediately upon arrival.
Negligence to secure the property during your stay could go against the terms of your rental agreement and make you liable for any damage.
#2 Be discreet
Posting about your trip and location while away from the property on social media can alert potential burglars that it is unattended.
Therefore, it’s always best to tread cautiously and be discreet when sharing your location – you never know who might be watching.
#3 Get cover
If you take precautions and still fall victim to holiday-home-related crime during a staycation, it’s best to be prepared in advance *just in case*.
While holiday home insurance is available for the property owner, this will not cover any damage or loss of belongings to the renter.
In the first instance, check the terms of your own home insurance policy to see if contents or liability coverage extends to rental properties or has an “off premises” clause for limited coverage to personal belongings stolen from a holiday home.
Additionally, travel insurance may include coverage for theft or loss of personal belongings stolen during a break-in, and credit card insurance sometimes provides purchase protection to items bought with the card if they are stolen or damaged during a certain period.
And if you’re a holiday homeowner, make sure you have the right kind of insurance to protect your property - this may need to be a specialist policy, as many mainstream home insurers won’t cover holiday rentals or second homes under your existing home insurance policy. It’s always best to contact your existing home insurer to check you have the right insurance for your needs, as if you fail to disclose the property usage at the point of taking out a policy, you may find that if you need to make a claim, it could be rejected.
David Joyson, Chief Customer Office
