Warning as web searches for tips on burglary rise by 50pc

‘With more homes becoming vacant as more people make plans burglars could be getting ready to strike’

GOOGLE searches for “how to rob a house” have risen 50 per cent in a month as workers start heading back to the office after working from home in the pandemic.

The steep rise in search engine activity recorded between July and August has prompted concern that empty homes are being left vulnerable to thieves.

Simplisafe, the home security specialists, said that measures such as keeping all windows and doors closed is crucial to keeping houses secure, as “too many of us” have got used to leaving them open during the pandemic. Jonathan Wall, UK general manager of Simplisafe, which conducted the research, said: “It’s concerning to see these search term figures, but with restrictions easing and the darker nights looming, we may unfortunately see a consistent increase when it comes to burglaries and other crime.

“This shows how crucial it is for us not to get complacent with our home security routines, now that we’re out and about more. With more homes becoming vacant, as people make plans and go on holiday, burglars could be getting ready to strike.”

Burglaries have increased 10 per cent since April, with 18,377 cases reported to police in August, analysis by The Daily Telegraph found.

Despite concern over an increase in cases the proportion leading to a charge for burglary has fallen by up to 85 per cent over the last four years.