Postcode may 'influence plot search'

New burglary figures have been revealed that could influence the location of a self build project.

Research from moneysupermarket.com has revealed that homes in Doncaster and Bristol are the most likely to make a claim on their insurance for theft or burglary.

Canvey Island - off the south coast of Essex - came in third spot behind Doncaster and Bristol and seven out of the top 20 UK postcodes were located in Greater London, the study showed.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Unfortunately I am not amazed to see several London postcodes in the top 20 when it comes to theft and burglary, but I did not expect to see Doncaster and Bristol snatching the top spots from London."

Deciding to build your own home on a plot of land selected by yourself can offer a lot of freedom and one of the reasons people elect to self build is because they are unable to find an existing house in their preferred setting - a secure, pleasant residential area close to a large city, for example.