Homeowners urged to improve property security

Increasing home security should be further up property owners' lists of priorities, according to Virgin Money.

The company fears people are more prepared to fight off burglars themselves rather than deter them in the first place, with 92 per cent of those surveyed maintaining they would physically defend their home against intruders in the event of a break-in.

Grant Bather, spokesperson at Virgin Money, says a few simple preventative steps could potentially avoid this situation altogether.

He explains: "Relying on insurance and simple security measures are the best ways to protect yourself and give peace of mind."

Home improvements such as installings window locks and safes are among other ways to reduce property crime.

In other news, renovations and self-build home improvements are growing rapidly in popularity as a result of the credit crunch, research by lender GE Money has found, as those who might otherwise be planning to move home are increasingly tempted to sit tight.