Home insurance customers who intend to leave a property unoccupied for a significant period of time should clean it thoroughly, it has been claimed.

According to the British Insurance Brokers' Association, it is important to ensure no food is left around that might attract rats and mice.

Commenting on the problems vermin can cause, head of technical services Peter Staddon said: "If they come in they can start chewing up wires and that damage may not be covered under an insurance contract."

He stated property owners should look at their houses and look for potential issues that could arise.

Mr Staddon added if people have any concerns, they should give their insurance provider a call.

Meanwhile, in other news which may be of relevance to homeowners, the British Crime Survey has revealed domestic burglary is on the rise.

The number of incidents grew by four per cent between July and September 2008.

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