The UK's biggest insurer has warned that burglaries could increase by 50 percent by the end of the year, as a result of the recession and increased redundancies.
Burglaries may shoot up by 50 percent this year as people become increasingly desperate for money, a major home insurance provider has warned.
Norwich Union has suggested that burglaries could shoot up by more than 140,000 by the end of the year, reaching a total of at least 420,000. According to the firm's estimates, this would result in losses of £421 million in stolen belonging for UK homeowners.
"History shows that when unemployment rises we also see an increase in crime and unfortunately the latest Home Office figures obviously show an upward trend in domestic burglary," said Simon Warsop, director of home pricing at Norwich Union."If this recession follows the pattern of previous recessions we would expect to see burglary rise by around a half by the end of the year."
Predictions over when the UK will come out of recession vary, with chancellor Alistair Darling's prediction that growth will resume later this year - made in yesterday's Budget - being criticised from some quarters as being too optimistic.
However, Norwich Union advised homeowners to take a number of precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to burglary.
"We agree with the government that these figures don't have to be inevitable: ensuring windows and doors are properly locked, sheds are secured and properties kept in good order can all deter the opportunist burglars who are looking to make a profit from your home," Mr Warsop said.
