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Screwfix reports increased expenditure on home security as domestic burglary fears rise

BRITONS BEGIN TO FORTIFY THEIR HOMES AS DOMESTIC BURGLARY FEARS RISE

- YouGov research for Screwfix reveals that 29% of Britons are more concerned about the risk of burglary than they were 12 months ago

- Screwfix reports a surge in sales of home security equipment, with alarm and latch sales up nearly a third

- More than a third of tradesmen are reporting a shift towards security work as households batten down the hatches

Screwfix, the leading supplier of building and maintenance equipment to the trade, has seen a sharp increase in the sale of domestic security equipment, reflecting increasing levels of anxiety amongst homeowners about burglary as the credit crunch bites.

YouGov research commissioned by Screwfix confirms the trend, with 29% of respondents reporting that they are more anxious about the risk of domestic burglary than they were 12 months ago. Concerns are most pronounced amongst the 55+ age group, with one third (33%) reporting increased anxiety levels versus 12 months ago. The regions reporting the biggest increase in fear of burglary are London (32%) and the North (32%) and lowest in Scotland (19%).

Tradesmen across the UK are also reporting that the range of tasks that they are being asked to carry out is shifting far more in favour of security, as well as repair and maintenance. A separate national Screwfix poll of 1,500 tradesmen found that more than third (34%) were reporting an increase in the number of customers commissioning additional security work for their home. Sales of burglar alarms have risen 30% and sales of window latches are up 32% on a year on year basis. Sales of mortice locks have also been robust, rising 26% year on year.

John Mewett, communications director at Screwfix, said: “We’re definitely seeing homeowners beginning to batten down the hatches and focus more of their expenditure on home maintenance. For the time being it’s as likely to be barricades as balustrades that tradesmen are sourcing as security concerns start to bite.”

Alun Lewis, a tradesman from Luton, said: “I’m definitely spending more of my time fitting locks and alarms than I did a year ago. Most of us have spent the last few years buying loads of fancy kit and it makes sense that we want to make sure that it’s locked up.”

One home is burgled every 37 seconds, according to Home Office statistics. The current shift towards domestic security work reflects a long-proven link between more challenging economic conditions and a rise in domestic burglary. A landmark 1990 study investigating the relationship between Crime and Consumption carried out by Dr Simon Field for the Home Office confirmed the linkage.

Verbatim comments from tradesmen also included the following:
“Every day you hear of someone locally affected by crime.”
“Theft from commercial sites is definitely on the rise in our area”.
“The price rises of foods and fuel means that a lot of people are short of money so some go pinching”.
“Conversations with customers suggest that things are back to where they were in the late eighties.”

- Ends –

About Screwfix

With over 30 years experience, Screwfix is the UK’s leading supplier of tools, accessories, hardware products and building materials to the trade, delivering over 15,000 parcels per day to tradesmen, building sites and handymen. Amongst trade professionals, Screwfix has a reputation for quality products, efficient service and market-leading prices.

Customers can shop for same day collection at local Screwfix trade counters, or for next day delivery via the web or by phone.
The Screwfix operation is supported by the famous Screwfix catalogue – the key reference source of the trade – which is updated on a quarterly basis. The catalogue is the most comprehensive resource for products – from screws to building materials to power tools – in the UK.

The product range includes 18,000 stock lines and more products are being added weekly. Screwfix offers a 30 day no quibble refund on all unused products, should you change your mind.

CALL, CLICK, VISIT

The Screwfix website, www.screwfix.com, and national call centre, 0500 41 41 41, offer swift, professional access to products for next day delivery.

The Screwfix website also features the famous tradesman’s forum, where building professionals can share information and technical advice on a wide range of topics.

A national network of 130 local Screwfix trade counters offers tradesmen immediate access to an enormous range of building essentials at unrivalled prices.

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