Burglaries go up as clocks go back
As the clocks go back and the nation braces itself for a spike in burglariesover autumn and winter, data has been released which reveals the psychological impact associated with incidents.
Last year there were a total of 205,691 domestic burglaries in the UK, with one in ten taking place on November 2nd.
Some surprising statistics from Everest research also showed:
Halloween and Bonfire Night are statistically the worst days of the year for burglaries,
In over half of incidents of domestic burglary, someone was at home at the time,
Burglary contributes to a widespread feeling of violation and depression, with nearly half (47%) of those burgled saying it left them feeling unsafe in their own home,
People found thefts of sentimental items much harder to deal with than the loss of high value items.
Winter generally adds a 25% rise in burglary incidents in the UK
63% of homeowners who have been burgled saying that they felt like their privacy had been violated
Just under half (47%) of victims felt unsafe in their own home.
Following a burglary, over a third (38%) did not sleep
Over a quarter (27%) said they were more likely to mistrust people they do not know
22% said they no longer liked being or sleeping in the house alone
Nearly one in ten victims goes on to (9%) buy a dog as a result of the burglary.
57% said the worst part was knowing a stranger had been in their home
Many of us are not even doing the basics to put off opportunist burglars, like simply locking our doors and windows.
Police say we can take steps to protect our homes and belongings such as:
Check all doors are locked and all windows, including those upstairs, are secure before you go out.
Use timer switches on lamps to give the impression somebody is at home or keep a light on in the evening.
Consider installing alarms and security lighting.
Consider installing a CCTV camera outside your property.
Keep all jewellery and other valuables in a safety deposit box.