Claims data from Co-op Insurance found that on average, victims of burglaries will be targeted a second time around 16 months after the first break-in.

It also reveals that home break-ins are 43% more likely to occur in November and December, in comparison to the summer months.

Winter worries

Not surprisingly homeowners are wary of opening their front door, especially to strangers, and particularly when it’s dark. Two fifths (38%) feel nervous at the thought of someone unexpected approaching their door, and 13% wouldn’t answer it.

In response, the Co-op is piloting providing smart, connected doorbells to customers who have been a victim of burglary.

The doorbells allow homeowners or loved ones and neighbours on their behalf, to see and speak to anyone at their front door from anywhere, using their smart phone, tablet or PC.

The device, created by US start-up Ring. com, works by sending instant alerts to electronic devices when people press a doorbell or trigger the in-built motion sensors.

Homeowners, loved ones or neighbours can speak to whoever is at the door, using the inbuilt speakers and microphone.

Caroline Hunter, head of home insurance at the Co-op, said: “Our claims data shows that people who are victims of home break-ins are more likely to be targeted again. We want to connect communities and provide tools for neighbours to easily keep an eye out for each other, helping homeowners feel safer.

“When we asked ex-convicts what would put them off attempting to break into a house, 89% agreed that smart tech topped the list.

“For that reason, we’re now starting to provide these smart doorbells as a six-month pilot to a proportion of our direct home insurance customers, who have had to claim for burglary.”