Increased debts lead to a 50 per cent rise in burglaries

The level of burglaries is set to increase by 50 per cent as more people struggle to pay off debts during the current economical crisis, it has been revealed.

According to the home insurance provider, Norwich Union, burglaries could rise over 140,000 by the end of 2009 as more people become desperate for money as they try to keep up with loan, mortgage and credit card repayments.

The insurer estimated that UK homeowners could lose £421 million worth of stolen belongings as a result.