Costs of burglary on UK homeowners

Burgled Britons have spent a staggering £27 billion pounds in the last five years in an attempt to regain peace of mind following a break-in.

That is according to a survey by ICM survey, commissioned by Intamac Systems, which examined the costs of burglary to homeowners.

While many would consider the chief burden to be the financial outlay after a robbery of the home, the emotional cost can be just as severe.

For a large proportion of people surveyed nothing could make them feel safe in their home. One third of those surveyed stated they were forced to pack up their possessions and move home.

However, those that remained in a property spent some £27 billion on improvements to their security.

"While we have tried to put a figure on peace of mind, it seems that feeling safe in your own home is priceless," said David Rimmer, spokesperson for Intamac systems.

"We talk about our homes being our castles, but after a break-in the householder's relationship with their home dramatically changes, with many striving to regain the apparent air of safety and normality they enjoyed before the experience."

According to the research one in four homes in the UK has experienced a break-in, with many responding with additional security.

Up to 46 per cent of those who had been burgled added extra locks, 42 per cent installed outdoor security lights and 37 per cent changed the locks on the doors to their home.

A further ten per cent purchased a guard dog to secure a premise.

Even with these additional fortifications, peace of mind was not easy to come by.

Some 22 per cent of victims added a burglar alarm after a robbery, but 60 per cent of those questioned said they thought their neighbours would take no notice.