Smoke alarms which are wired up to the mains may reduce a person's chances of having to make a home insurance claim, if the comments of one charity are anything to go by.

Figures cited by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) revealed in 12 per cent of the fires reported in 2006 smoke alarms failed.

However, it pointed out most of these devices were battery-powered.

The group said there were a number of things which could go wrong with this type of alarm.

A spokesperson for Rospa explained sometimes people take batteries out to use them in other appliances.

He added: "Batteries can also run out, go flat and people forget to replace them.

"With the mains-wired ones, obviously that is not a problem."

Rospa was set up over 90 years ago and it states its purpose is to contribute to debate, inform and education for the benefit of everyone.

Home insurance policy holders living in Surrey may welcome news police in the area have launched a crackdown on burglary.The force explained although break-ins were not a major problem in the area, it...

Householders who leave keys in places where they can be seen by passers by could be increasing the likelihood they will have to make a home insurance claim, it has been suggested.Police in Stonesfield...

Home insurance customers in Huddersfield are being offered help that could reduce their chances of having to make a claim.West Yorkshire police announced people visiting the Armitages Garden Centre in...