Householders 'feeling more at threat from burglars'

28/04/2009

One in seven UK householders say they feel more at threat from burglary than they ever have done before, according to a study.

A survey for Halifax Home Insurance, carried out by Onepoll in February with 2,000 UK adults, has revealed that 24 per cent of respondents had been a victim of burglary during their lives - perhaps hinting that they could do with some better security gates.

Close to one-quarter of those questioned said they do not keep windows and doors locked while at home, with 20 per cent admitting that they do not consider keeping valuable items around the home away from windows and out of sight of potential burglars.

"We'd recommend householders take a few moments before they leave the house, and before going to bed, to make sure valuables are out of sight," said senior claims manager of Halifax Home Insurance Martyn Foulds.

After predicting that household burglaries could rise by 50 per cent by the end of this year, Norwich Union suggested that loose gates can be an invitation for thieves to attack a property.