Caravan Insurance

Lloyds TSB Insurance is advising new homebuyers to pay careful consideration to properties' security features.

The figures show that first-time buyers are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of the 750,000 burglaries that now take place each year.

Lloyds is therefore offering some sound, free advice to those about to embark on property viewings this spring.

As well as obvious pointers like installing an intruder alarm and locking the garden shed, the cheap home insurance company also advises growing thorny plants against the house as a criminal deterrent.

The old favourite of leaving a spare key under a nearby plant pot is also to be studiously avoided as thieves are naturally wise to it.

When it comes to cheap home insurance itself, Lloyds advises checking that all door and window locks meet the insurance company's policy requirements. If unsure, it's worth changing the lock on the front door.

Your cheap home contents insurance should also cover you during the move itself, as the pressure and stress might make accidents even more likely to happen.

Phil Loney, managing director, said: "Buying a home for the first time is stressful enough without having to worry about the threat of being burgled.

"Hopefully, the advice we're providing will help anyone buying their first home to stay secure, before, during and after the move."