Magazine: Impact of burglary on children disturbing, new research reveals

Children whose homes have been burgled are more likely to struggle at school and have trouble sleeping, according to new research from independent charity Victim Support and home security specialist ADT.
Impact of burglaryImpact of burglary
Impact of burglary

Nearly 300,000 children are believed to be the victims of break-ins every year in England and Wales.

The research also suggests that the emotional trauma of burglary on children and young people can be long-lasting.

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Two in five parents (39 per cent) say that their children needed emotional or psychological support following the burglary.

Impact of burglaryImpact of burglary
Impact of burglary

A separate survey of young burglary victims suggests that the impact on children may often be greater than even their parents realise.

Of the 53 children and young people questioned, nearly one in three (30 per cent) admitted they still suffered nightmares, and nearly a third (30 per cent) also said that the burglary had knocked their self-confidence.

The Take No More campaign, launched today by Victim Support and ADT, aims to step change the way society thinks of and responds to burglary. The campaign will highlight the unacceptable levels of burglary, the impact it has on victims and will call for tougher sentences for burglars who target homes where children live.

Watch our video for a first-hand look at how burglary affected Sheree and her family.

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