Britons are being urged to secure their homes against a potential surge of burglaries when lockdown ends.
There was a 20 per cent drop in house burglaries last year compared to 2019, according to analysis of government crime figures by the home insurance company Hiro.
Criminals' overall takings were down by £103million in 2020 as homeowners spent the majority of their time in their properties. This equated to individual losses for burglars and thieves of £12,954.
Peoples eagerness to flee the confinement of their homes presents an opportunity for burglars, who will be looking to recoup their lockdown losses
There are now fears of a domestic burglary resurgence as the nationwide vaccination rollout progresses and lockdown restrictions ease.