Burgled? It could damage your sex life

Almost a quarter of victims of burglary and street crime said the experience had led to a breakdown in relationships with family and friends. Nine per cent said they were so traumatised after being burgled or robbed that they ended a relationship.

The report, published this week by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), found that those on low incomes and living in social housing were more prone to depression and sleepless nights after being burgled than those who owned their own home.

People on higher incomes were more likely to spend money on burglar alarms and extra security. They were also more likely to be insured.

Those on low incomes were less able to deal with the consequences, as well as being more likely to be repeatedly robbed.

"Crime has fallen over the last 10 years, but it still hits the poorest hardest," said Nick Pearce, director of the IPPR.