Homeowners demand right to tackle burglars

A majority of Londoners want the right to use "unreasonable" force against burglars, a survey reveals today.

The findings highlight the concern among the public about the threat of break-ins, and their increasing frustration with the ability of the criminal justice system to defend them.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has refused to change the law, to prevent prosecution of homeownerswho retaliate against burglars unless it is in the most extreme circumstances.

But an Evening Standard poll found a surprisingly high number of people - 11 per cent - say they keep a knife at home in case an intruder breaks in, while a quarter keep a heavy object nearby. One per cent of Londoners questioned even claimed they kept a gun at home to defend themselves.

The vast majority, 85 per cent, would be prepared to use at least one of these weapons when confronted with a stranger in their home.

Nearly a third of people questioned in a London Voice internet poll, which sought the views of Evening Standard readers, claimed they would be prepared to use a gun. Forty-two per cent said they would consider using a knife, and 92 per cent a heavy object.

The hardline approach was reflected in their answer to the question: "If an intruder breaks into your home should they have any legal rights at all?" Seventynine per cent of people said no.

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents had been victims of a burglary, perhaps explaining their attitude to the question of selfdefence.

But the poll shows the vast majority of burglaries take place during the day when owners are out and burglars run less risk of a confrontation. Seventy-two per cent of those who had been victims said they had not been home at the time.

Of the 2,177 who took part in the poll, 67 per cent said they should have the right to exercise " unreasonable" force if someone were to break into their home.

The findings appear to back the call by outgoing Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens for householders to be given clearer rights to defend themselves. He said the law should be changed so homeowners would face prosecution only in "extreme circumstances", even if their actions resulted in the death of an intruder.

Tony Blair has promised a review of householders' rights to defend themselves against burglars.