Majority of Brits prepared to break law to protect homes and family from burglars

The majority of British householders - 78% - believe that they should be free to take whatever steps necessary to protect their homes and families from the threat of intruders - even if it means breaking the law. These are the findings of a survey published today by BUDGET Home Insurance.

However, nearly half of survey respondents said that they were unaware of their legal position if a burglar gets hurt in their home and 17% admitted to keeping objects at home that could be used in self defence against a burglar. Objects included baseball bats - by far the most popular, followed by cricket bats, golf clubs, knives, guns, pokers and walking sticks.

Men are more likely to keep a self defence weapon at home with 22% admitting to doing so compared to 15% of women. Three per cent of respondents admitted to using the weapon to defend themselves and or their families.

While the most popular measures used to keep homes safe included window locks used by 81%; mortice locks for 57% and burglar alarms 34% - 4% of respondents admitted to securing their properties with glass and barbed wire on walls.

Lisa Corston, BUDGET Home Insurance, said:

"Our survey seems to have struck a nerve with most law abiding home owners believing they should be able to do whatever it takes to keep their homes and families safe regardless of the consequences. While we're pleased to see people taking home security extremely seriously, we'd strongly advise them to keep within the boundaries of the law."

Mick Kelly, Neighbourhoodwatch.net, said:

"The use of force to protect yourself and your property is a 'grey area'. It is not surprising that nearly half of those who took part in this survey said they were uncertain what their legal rights were.

"Neighbourhood Watch always advises people to call the police wherever possible. We would never condone breaking the law."

For further information please contact:
Roland Cross/Nicola Pierce
Broadgate

Tel: 020 7726 6111

Key findings

Survey carried out by Tickbox for BUDGET Home Insurance between 4th - 11th May 2007. Sample base 1,459 UK adults.

• 78% of respondents believe that they should be free to do whatever it takes to make their homes and families safe from break-ins. Even if it contravenes the law. This figure is slightly higher among women at 79% compared to 77% of men.
• Nearly half of survey respondents - or 49% - are unaware of their legal position if a burglar gets hurt in their home. This is higher among women - 52% compared to 41% of men.
• 17% of survey respondents admitted to keeping an object at home that could be used in self defence against an intruder. Objects included baseball bats - by far the most popular; cricket bats, golf clubs, knives, guns, pokers and walking sticks.
• Men are more likely to keep such an object at home - 22% compared to 15% of women.
• Just 3% have actually used their weapon to defend themselves and/or their families from intruders.
• 5% of those who have actually used a weapon to defend themselves and/or their families from intruders, rented their homes.

Insurance findings

• Nearly three quarters of all respondents - or 71% - informed their insurance company when their house got broken in to. This is marginally higher amongst women - 71% compared to 70% of men.
• Respondents aged 55+ are most likely to let their insurers know they have been burgled - 76%. As respondents get younger they are less likely to inform their insurance companies about a burglary - 58% of 16-24 year olds.
• 97% of survey respondents did not switch insurers because of a bad claims experience following a burglary. Women are most likely to stick with their insurer - 98% compared to 94% of men.
• 100% of respondents aged 16-24 will not switch insurers because of a bad claims experience. They are closely followed by 99% of respondents aged 55+.

Regional findings

• 92% of those from the North East believe that they should be free to do whatever it takes to make their homes and families safe from break-ins. Even if it contravenes the law. Their strong feelings are echoed by residents from Wales (90%) and Yorkshire (86%).
• Those in the North East are the most likely to keep an object at home that could be used in self defence against an intruder - 27% compared to 17% for the national average.
• Those in Yorkshire are the least likely to keep an object at home that could be used in self defence against an intruder - 86% compared to 83% nationally.
• Of the 3% who have actually used their weapon to defend themselves and/or their families from intruders 8% were from the Midlands.
• Of the 3% who have actually used their weapon to defend themselves and/or their families from intruders 6% were from the North East.
• 54% of those from the Midlands said that they were aware of their legal position if a burglar gets hurt in their home.
• 56% of those from the North East and South East said that they were aware of their legal position if a burglar gets hurt in their home.
• 58% of those from Wales said that they were aware of their legal position if a burglar gets hurt in their home.

The BGL Group (formerly known as the BUDGET Group of Companies)

The BUDGET Group of Companies was established in 1992 and has grown to be the UK's third largest personal lines insurance intermediary, through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions.

It now arranges and administers insurance for around 1.5 million customers, has contact centre operations in Peterborough, Coventry, Sunderland, Peterlee and Cape Town, South Africa, and a number of websites, including - www.budgetinsurance.com. It currently employs over 1500 people, and its head office is in Peterborough.

As an intermediary, BUDGET is able to access a wide range of underwriters, making it highly competitive in the marketplace.

BUDGET's core products are motor, home, commercial vehicle and motorcycle insurance. The Group also offers a wide range of supplementary products, which include breakdown cover, legal protection, travel insurance and mortgage payment protection insurance.

In 2003, BUDGET launched Junction, its affinity arm, which provides insurance outsourcing services for major UK brands including Bradford & Bingley plc, Marks & Spencer Money, Debenhams and the Post Office.

BUDGET's motorcycle division, Bennetts, is a leading player in the motorcycle insurance market.

BUDGET is a trading name of BISL Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Registered Address: Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, PE2 6YS. Registered in England no 3231094

Neighbourhoodwatch.net

The website www.neighbourhoodwatch.net has more information about where the law stands on defending your property as well as practical advice on how to keep your home safe and secure.

Looking for a cheap home insurance quote? try BUDGET Insurance.

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