The effects of burglary can be long-lasting

But while the financial implications of being burgled are bad enough, many victims are not prepared for the emotional consequences.

People who have been burgled often experience a range of emotions including anger, shock and fear, while many feel their home has been violated making it difficult for them to feel at ease.

The recovery process can also be slow - particularly for the elderly.

At risk

The problem is compounded by evidence that suggests that those most at risk from burglary are from the poorest backgrounds living in socially deprived areas.

People on low incomes can struggle to afford burglar alarms, locks and home insurance that may protect them against the effects of a break-in.

The British Crime Survey found that almost 6.9% of people living on the most deprived council estates have been burgled, compared with just 2.7% in wealthy areas.

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Fear of crime is also highest among low-income households with nearly a third of respondents saying they were "very worried" about burglary.

Those living in inner-city areas were also found to be more at risk - 5% had experienced burglary as opposed to 2% in rural areas.

Response

The police response to burglary is varied and detection rates vary from just 7% in Greater Manchester to 39% in Dyfed, Wales.

Tenia Giannakaki, a crime reduction adviser with Greater Manchester Police maintains that the public have a responsibility to protect their own homes.

"In our own study, we found that many people did not always properly protect their homes by using the locks and alarms already installed.

"Much of our burglary strategy is aimed at getting the public to be more aware of the risks through leaflets and radio advertising.

"We will visit repeat victims of burglary as part of our support system and help them to protect their home with free locks and alarms."

Victims

Andrew Buckingham of Victim Support argues that the nationwide policing approach to burglary is patchy.

"Some forces have extremely good burglary initiatives but in others there is a feeling that it is not a particularly serious crime.

"The best police forces offer crime prevention information in conjunction with community initiatives.

"We would encourage all agencies to provide serious support to the victims of burglary - victims need to feel listened to."