Three quarters of UK homes have no security alarm, survey claims

'Research shows we feel more vulnerable as a nation when the clocks go back,' says security expert

Burglaries spike when clocks go back, statistics suggest (Rex)

An author has penned the first ever "edutainment" crime fiction novella – to help Britons keep their homes secure.

Sophie Hannah wrote A Dark Time to pass on security hints and tips to homeowners who find themselves at increased risk of burglary during the winter months.

Seven homes in the UK are burgled every minute over the course of a year.

A survey of 2,000 homeowners carried out by a home security firm to coincide with the launch of the book found 14 per cent of Britons have no security measures in place whatsoever.

Nearly a quarter of those surveyed have fitted a security alarm to warn off potential intruders, and 57 per cent keep their house lights on to make it look like someone is home.

UK homes are at an elevated risk of burglary after the clocks go back, according to research.

December was revealed as the peak time for break-ins across the UK, with 13 per cent of Britons experiencing a burglary in the last year alone.

And six in 10 Britons surveyed feel more vulnerable to a break-in when the nights grow longer.

However, keeping our homes warm and making sure energy bills are paid are the nation’s top concerns after the clocks go back – ahead of securing our castles.

A further 48 per cent close their blinds or curtains while they’re out, and just under a tenth have bought a dog to deter burglars from targeting their property.

Lee Jasper, security expert at ADT Security Services, said: “Year on year, we have seen a 10 per cent increase in burglaries during the darker months.

“So it’s vital that people put the right security measures in place to help protect their homes to avoid falling victim.

“The research shows we’re feeling more vulnerable as a nation when the clocks go back, however there is a clear lack of awareness when it comes down to preventing burglaries.

“We’re hoping that the launch of A Dark Time can help the nation safeguard their homes, in an entertaining and engaging way.”

SWNS