R&H E-News - Christmas 2006
		The Directors & Staff of Rowlands & Hames thank you for your support during 2006. We wish you, your colleagues and all your families a very Merry Christmas and prosperous, safe & claim-free 2007!
		CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES
		Thursday 21st December - Open 9am until 5.00pm
		Friday 22nd December - Closed
		Saturday 23rd December to Boxing Day 26th December - Closed
		Wednesday 27th December to Friday 29th December - Open 9am until 5pm
		Saturday 30th December to New Year's Day 1st January 2007 - Closed
		Tuesday 2nd January 2007 - Open as usual
		Happy New Year!
		CLAIMS & EMERGENCIES DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD   MOTOR CLAIMS Any motor vehicle claim may be reported to our 24 hour motor claims helpline on: 0845 456 4009   ALL OTHER CLAIMS Should you need to report a non-motor claim, you will find your insurer's claims notification helpline in your policy documentation. Please ensure you quote your policy number.   EMERGENCIES In the event of a severe emergency over the holidays, you may wish to contact your usual Account Manager who may be able to assist: Bob Willis 07802 253858  -  John Isles 07974 667825  -  Andy Farnworth 07775 584622 Tony Swallow 07974 692990  -  Trevor Taylor 07919 447562   -  Gary Baxter 07904 546274
		CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BURGLARY ALERT!
			Householders have been warned that New Year's Eve is when burglaries are most likely to take place during the festive season. According to Norwich Union claims data, homes are 25% more likely to be burgled on 31 December, with thieves taking advantage of partygoers who leave their homes unoccupied and full of expensive gifts.
		The insurer also warned that the cost of a burglary over the festive season could be up to £350 higher than usual because of all the extra items in the home. It said the average burglary claim now stood at £1,200. Norwich Union urged homeowners to take extra security precautions over the coming weeks. For example, people should avoid discarding whole gift boxes in dustbins, as this could give thieves a clue to what they might find in the home. Boxes could be broken into small pieces for recycling or placed in a sealed bin bag instead. Anyone leaving their homes for an evening out should leave lights on, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked and keep expensive gifts out of view. Homes without burglar alarms were more likely to be targeted. Research by Norwich Union has also shown that many homeowners give burglars a helping hand by hiding presents in obvious locations around the home, such as wardrobes (44%), under the bed (23%), or in the shed (12%). Burglary wish-list The insurer revealed the most frequently stolen items from last Christmas, along with with an indication of what burglars could be targeting this time round. The most stolen items of Christmas 2005 were mobile phones, followed by MP3 players, sat-nav systems, digital cameras and games consoles. Other items popular among thieves last year were laptops, LCD televisions and designer watches. Norwich Union said it was expecting similar items to be targeted this year, with mobiles such as the LG Chocolate and the Motorola KRZR, as well as Apple's latest iPod music players topping the burglary wish-list. With the recent launch of the Nintendo Wii, and its limited availability, games consoles would also be easily sold on by thieves this year, so those lucky enough to have purchased a Wii, or anyone with an Xbox 360, needed to be extra vigilant. 'Double check' Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union said: "Of course everyone wants to put their presents under the tree for Christmas but before the big day ensure they're tucked away somewhere safe and not in full view to every passer-by. "The attic or loft is a good hiding place for presents - your average burglar doesn't have time to climb into your attic and it's also safe from excited children desperate to get a sneak preview of what they can expect on Christmas morning. "And at New Year make sure you double check your home before you embark on your night on the town - you don't want to begin 2007 with a burglary." Rowlands & Hames would remind clients of the need to reassess their household cover after Christmas. As a result of all the extra items in the home at this time of year, many insurers provide an automatic temporary increase over the festive period but any permanent increase in sum insured should be advised to insurers without delay.
		CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR FIRE SAFETY
		Keep your tree away from fireplaces, heating vents and other heat-producing appliances. Do not use lighted candles or other flaming devices on or near your tree or near other decorations. Use tree lights that bear the Kite mark label and check the cables for signs of wear and tear – never use lights that are frayed or operate with missing or broken bulbs. Christmas Lights have a fuse bulb, normally painted white on the tip – only ever replace this with another fuse bulb! It is good practice to replace any Christmas lights more than four or five years old. Always exercise care with extension cords and never overload sockets. Always turn off Christmas Lights before leaving home or retiring for the evening – never leave turned on unattended. Always place candles well away from curtains, furniture and drapes and always out of draughts. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Never leave candles unattended – always ensure they are blown out before leaving home or retiring for the evening. Always use suitable holders that cannot fall-over easily. In case of fire – Get Out, Stay Out and call the Fire Service Out!
		Rowlands & Hames Insurance Brokers Ltd. 277 Dickson Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2LG Tel: 01253 594211 Fax: 01253 358481 Email: mail@rowlands-hames.co.uk    Web: http://www.rowlands-hames.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.