Brits think courts are too lenient on burglars

Brits have run out of patience with the justice system and want stiffer penalties handed down by the courts.

In a survey carried out for insurers, Cornhill Direct as part of National Home Security Week (25 – 31 August) a staggering 91 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed said they think the British courts are far too lenient on burglars with 85 per cent saying they would expect someone found guilty of this crime to be given a prison sentence.

The surveyed also revealed that the fear of being a victim of crime is growing. For example, almost two-thirds of those surveyed said they feel more likely to be a victim of crime than they did a year ago and more than 80 per cent feel there is more chance they could a victim of burglary.

It seems that many people long for the security they believe their parents had with 91 per cent saying that they felt the crime level has soared since their parents were younger and almost 89 per cent fear it is only to going to get worse in the future.

Mark Bishop, a spokesman for Cornhill Direct said: “The strength of the responses to our survey shows just how people long for a sense that crime is under control in this country.

“We can all do more to make ourselves safer and this is particularly so when it comes to improving the security of our homes.”

The survey also revealed that being mugged is the theft related crime people most worry about with more than 57 per cent saying this is their biggest fear. Being burgled was close behind followed by having their car stolen and being pick-pocketed.

Top five thefts we are most in fear off:

Being mugged
Being burgled
Having their car stolen
Being pick pocketed
Being car jacked