A new online community hub has launched today to help homeowners in Worcester share their best home security tips to beat the burglar. 

The free-to-use platform unveiled by online security retailer safe.co.uk is in response to its new study* into the impact of crime across West Midlands, which reveals that 28 per cent of homeowners would use physical force when confronted by a burglar.

A further 12 per cent of people admit to keeping a weapon in the form of a knife or air rifle in their bedroom, whilst 24 per cent keep household items such as golf clubs, brooms or heavy ornaments in the bedroom to use against intruders.

Nearly a third of homeowners (26 per cent) admit they’d try to make noise to scare the burglar away, whilst only 15 per cent would try and get out of the house.

A third (30 per cent) would hide in the house and call the police.

The research unearths the true extent of the emotional impact of burglary, with over half of those affected (54 per cent) feeling unsafe in their own home and a third (30 per cent) fearful it will happen again. Sleepless nights plague 54 per cent of burglary victims in West Midlands, and 23 per cent admit their mental wellbeing was negatively affected.

A staggering 30 per cent of people in the area admit to being burgled in the past five years, with a further 18 per cent claiming they know a friend or neighbour who has fallen victim. 

Anthony Neary, managing director for safe.co.uk, explains: “We decided to launch our new online community hub after our study revealed that many homeowners are prepared to attack a burglar or even use a weapon to protect themselves.

"It’s designed to help people in Worcester share and access security tips without having to resort to extreme measures that could put themselves in danger.

“Protecting your property can often be common sense, so the homeowner judged to have the best tip or advice will win a state-of-the-art home CCTV kit.

"It’s our hope that the hub will continue to grow and provide an invaluable online resource to homeowners across Worcester.”

Residents in Worcester looking to share a security tip or simply gain some advice and wisdom from fellow homeowners, can access the online community hub here https://www.safe.co.uk/unlocking-your-security-tips.