LOSSES BY BURGLARY

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 63, 17 March 1922, Page 2

LOSSES BY BURGLARY

In the experience of an English burglary insurance manager, extending over thirty years, there have never been so many claims under policies for burglaries and thefts as during the last three years. Insurance managers generally also report a large number, of claims in respect of lost articles.

Burglary claims have been heavy, both in Tespect of commerciaj and domestic risks. An increase of claims for fires lias long been regarded by insurance com- ' panics as a consequential evil of trade. To put the position mildly, there is not the same inducement to take every precaution to prevent fires when the value of stocks is falling, But the increase, of burglaries cannot be regarded, at any rate, a* due solely to bad trade, although unemployment has undoubtedly led to a' certain number of robberies. The epidemio was very serious in 1919, wfien trade was active, and it was then attributed mainly to a deterioration of thi standard of morality caused by the war. x The use of .motor vehicles is aiso considered to have contributed to robberies on a large scale. As regai'ds private houses and flats, itappears that both the presence and absence of domestic servants is, to some extent, held responsible. In some cases there has been reason, to believe that the entry and exit of thieves has been facilitated by maids in the building. In _> 7 other cases it seemed possible that information concerning the movements of the inmates of the house had been divulged by those employed there. 0n the other hand, there is a general consensus of opinion that many of the robberies are due to the fact that frequently houses and flats are left' without occupanta. Many people who, when living was cheaper and taxation less oneTous, could afford to have domestic help, can no longer do so, with the result that premises are frequently, and often regularly, left unoccupied. The habits of the . tenants then become known. Insurance managers- are agreed that empty premises provide a great opportunity for robberies. - .

A sign of hard-times seems to be that in the experience of fire insurance companies many more claims than formerly are made in respect of damage to carpets, rugs, and clothing through sparks flying out from coal fires and similar causes. At one time, no doubt, people hesitated to make such claims, but now numerous claims are presented for quite small sums, as well as in the case of lost articles for amounts which, would- suggest that the possessors were persons of considerable wealth.

The Forestry League recently received a letter from a student : at Christ's College stating that a forestry society of 50 member* had been formed in the college. The idea was to study forestry, and it was anticipated that as a result ever> year several of the youths leaving-col-lege would take an active interest in forestry matters outside. The writer wished to know whether there wa» a juvenile section of the league, as he and his comrades would like to join. The council of the league decided to write expressing its appreciation of the etudehts' action. It was also, resolved to make a recommendation to the general meeting of the league, to be held in July, that junior associates be enrolled at a reduced rate of subscription. The opinion was expressed that it was of vital importance to enlist the interest of the young people in tho forestry movement