Together with Neighbourhood Watch, the insurer studied crime trends across UK neighbourhoods and the effect it has on those who have been victims.

It found that nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) of UK adults have been a victim of neighbourhood crime, with two fifths (41 per cent) having had their homes broken into. However, a fifth (20 per cent) of victims chose not to contact the police.

When asked why, six in 10 (59 per cent) said they weren’t convinced the police would do anything about it, and a further one in six (16 per cent) didn’t trust that the police would be able to help them.

Just three in five (58 per cent) victims who reported the crime said they were visited by the police, and less than a third (31 per cent) were visited within the hour.

Of those who didn’t receive a police visit, three in five (58 per cent) victims were given a crime reference number, whilst one in eight (13 per cent) received a phone call.

Are you going to be burgled?

Co-op Insurance is warning people to ensure they have robust security measures in place to keep their homes safe.

Business data from the insurer reveals that the number of theft claims increase by a third (35 per cent) in the months following the clocks going back, with November the month when most burglaries take place.

Throughout the year, light-fingered thieves are most likely to make their move on a Friday and, with November being the most common month for home break-ins, Fridays in November prove to be a particularly popular time for burglars to strike.

Analysis of the Co-op’s claims data also found that people living in London are the most likely to be a victim of home contents theft with Carlisle and Manchester also crime hotspots.

Of the 41 per cent of UK adults who have been a victim of burglary, almost a third (28 per cent) said it happened during the night. A quarter (24 per cent) were targeted in the afternoon, a fifth (20 per cent) in the evening, whilst just 6 per cent were burgled in the morning.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) of victims were at home when the burglary took place, with one in five (22 per cent) asleep. At work, on holiday or out for dinner were also among the common places people were when their property was broken into.

Colin Butler, head of insurance at Co-op Insurance, said: “Unfortunately, year-on-year, our claims data shows that darker nights lead to more burglaries. As the nights draw in, we’re urging people to be vigilant when it comes to their personal safety, as well as the safety of their home.

“Our report unlocks the real issues that people are facing in their neighbourhoods, as well as the long-lasting impact this type of crime can have on victims.”

How to keep your home safe from burglary

• Leave a light on when out or invest in a light timer
• Install exterior security lights at the front and back of the property
• Invest in a CCTV system
• Don’t post your location on social media sites
• Ensure doors and windows are locked
• Set burglar alarms
• Ensure sheds and outbuildings are secured
• Don’t leave valuables on display
• Never leave car keys within easy reach of a letterbox
• Don’t leave ladders outside your home