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Millions of consumers are concerned that their property is under the threat of burglars, a new study shows.

According to research carried out by Abbey, some one in six Britons - about 7.4 million - are due to stay home this New Year’s Eve due to a fear that they will be burgled. Meanwhile, more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of people stated that are concerned about their home and contents during the big night and as such are set to take steps to deter any robbers. And should they find that have been a victim of crime, the cost of replacing items and repairing doors and windows may well impact upon people’s propensity to meet other areas of financial demand such as credit card bills and loans. Indeed an estimated 1.1 million homeowners have had their property ransacked on previous New Year’s Eves.

Anthony Frost, home insurance spokesperson for Abbey, said: “Perhaps recent high profile burglaries, such as those of Liverpool footballers Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt, have served as a timely reminder as to what can happen to your home when burglars know you’re not in.”

Findings from the financial services firm also indicated that more than 35 million people plan to leave either lights or televisions on during New Year’s Eve to give the impression that they are home. In addition, they will check alarms are switched on. However, it was suggested that many consumers could be placing themselves under financial strain as 23 million fail to hide the packaging that presents came in, so displaying the contents of their house to potential burglars. Those living in the south-east have been robbed on New Year’s Eve the most in comparison to other parts of the country, meanwhile consumers in the north of England are the most concerned that they will be burgled this year.

Mr Frost added: “At this time of year, it’s common for opportunist burglars to take advantage of our well-stocked homes, especially if they can readily see the contents on display. The long dark nights and Christmas/new year party season also provide opportunities for burglars, so we would encourage people to take precautions this New Year’s Eve to deter potential burglars.”

Consequently, he advised those leaving the house during the festive period to make sure that lights are left switched on and that any expensive items are not viewable from the outside. “It’s also worth taking extra care to ensure that all your doors and windows are properly locked and that alarms are set, where appropriate,” the spokesperson commented. One means in which to fund the installing of locks and alarms, consumers may find, is to take out a homeowner loan.

To help improve the security of a property, those people worried that their home is to come under threat by burglars might wish to consider applying for a homeowner loan. In addition, getting such a loan may also provide a useful way in which to fund improving garden space. Speaking earlier this year, Alasdair Mackenzie, partner at chartered surveyors Cluttons, suggested that investing money into gardens can help give consumers privacy. He also suggested that making improvements to green spaces can help to raise the value of a home.

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