The theft of peace of mind

8:24am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Burglary is so commonplace nowadays that it is almost accepted as part of life in some areas. Yet to the victims of this crime it can have serious consequences - in the case of 85-year-old George Bridge the most serious of all, because the Second World War RAF veteran died after being manhandled during a 2am break-in at his Haworth home.

Even without such a tragic outcome victims of burglary can be seriously traumatised. Their home, the sanctuary where they should be able to feel safe and protected, has been violated. Many people can never feel fully at ease there again. Having been burgled once, they fear constantly that it might happen again. Particularly if they are elderly, their health can be undermined by the worry. Some see no alternative to moving on.

These are the unseen consequences of burglary, the human stories the statistics don't tell. The repercussions from their actions are far greater than the criminals could ever have imagined. They go much further than merely stealing property. They steal peace of mind, sometimes permanently.

If burglars could be made fully aware of the results of their actions, perhaps at least some of them might think twice about what they do. Others might not, though.

The attack on Mr Bridge has been described as "sickening and callous." It is to be hoped that someone recognises the offender from the footage from the CCTV camera installed in his home after an earlier burglary and is able to provide police with the information which helps to bring him to justice.