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One in Ten Ex-Burglars Admit to Using Social Networking Sites to Target Households

New research reveals one in ten ex-burglars claim to have used social networking sites to find out the exact whereabouts of a target.
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Latest annual crime figures show there has been an increase in domestic burglaries, the first rise for 6 years, with police records revealing there is at least one victim every two minutes.

New research reveals:

· 90% of reformed thieves think household burglary is easy

· 68% admit having collected information about their target’s home and daily routine before committing a robbery

· One in 10 ex-burglars claim to have used social networking sites to find out the exact whereabouts of a target

· 78% of former thieves said poorly hidden keys were the main mistake homeowners made, followed by open windows (58%) and not having a burglar alarm (30%)

The average burglary time is 8 minutes, with 62% saying that it can take just 2-5 minutes.

. Introduction:

New research providing insight via reformed burglars, reveals that more than two thirds had previously collected details about their target’s home before committing a crime. Many admitted using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to find out the exact whereabouts of their target before invading their property. There is at least one victim of domestic burglary every two minutes, with the majority of ex-thieves openly admitting that household burglary is an easy task especially when many house owners are guilty of leaving keys in obvious places, leaving windows open and not having a burglar alarm.

So why are so many home owners unwittingly making themselves easy targets for burglars?

Joining us in the studio is former burglar-turned-church minister Richard Taylor speaking on behalf of MORE TH>N Home Insurance.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about household burglaries in our area?

How are criminals moving along with the times?

Why do most burglars feel that domestic robbery is an easy task?

What types of property do most burglars target?

What should house owners be doing to better protect themselves from burglaries?

Where can we find out more information?