The psychological effects of burglary on children

February 04 2026

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It’s reported that in 2025, there were 212,701 burglaries across England and Wales. Although there was a decrease from the previous year (11%), there are lasting effects that can linger after such a crime, potentially still affecting a large number of families.

Parents want to protect and reassure their children, but it can be a difficult and delicate subject to deal with. Child psychologist Dr Patricia Britto is an expert in supporting children and their families following a break-in.

If you have any doubts regarding your home’s security setup, get in touch with our expert team and have a chat about the ideal solution for you.

The warning signs

Dr Patricia Britto comments: “When a child goes through a home invasion or burglary, the most significant psychological injury often isn’t about what was taken; it’s about what was lost: the sense that home is automatically safe.  

“In my experience, children don’t always say “I feel traumatised.” They show it. A child who used to drift off at night might suddenly need the light on. A confident child might become clingy, irritable, or unusually watchful, flinching at small noises, checking doors, and avoiding certain rooms. That’s not “overreacting.” It’s a nervous system doing its job.

“When the “secure base” of home is violated, children often seek extra closeness and reassurance or, sometimes, act out because they don’t yet have the words for fear.”

Restoring safety

“The goal is to restore felt safety, not just physical safety. Yes, practical security steps matter, but children settle when they can see and understand that adults are once again in control. I always encourage parents to explain, and calmly, what’s being done: “the locks have been changed, the alarm is on, we have a plan.” Then bring back routine quickly: bedtime rituals, school patterns, regular mealtimes. Predictability is one of the fastest ways to calm a child’s stress response.”

Forward thinking

“Emotionally, keep it steady and straightforward: “that was scary. Your body might feel jumpy for a while. You’re safe right now, and I’m here.” That’s emotion coaching in action; it teaches the child that their feelings make sense and that they can be managed. If a child starts avoiding places or situations, gentle “small steps” are better than forcing; sit in the avoided room together for a minute, do something comforting there, and slowly build up. That’s essentially graded exposure, one of the most effective ways we know to stop fear from growing.

“Most children recover well with reassurance, routine, and support. But if sleep problems, panic, avoidance, or significant behaviour changes persist for several weeks, or the child seems stuck in constant fear, that’s the point where trauma-focused support can be invaluable.”

To help protect both your family and home from criminals, Jake Beecroft, General Manager, at ADT, shares three tips to keeping your home and family safe in 2026.

Tip one - Lock your doors and windows 

“While it feels too simple, data shows that in at least 10% of all burglaries, the front door was not locked and the offender simply walked in unchallenged. Locking the door when you leave the house is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your home. It can be all too easy to forget this essential measure when leaving your house in a rush. Take a second to double check, both before you leave the home, and before you go to bed.”

Tip two - Don’t leave valuables in sight

“While some home intruders check common hiding places like under mattresses and inside drawers, most of them are opportunists and will take what's in sight. Cash, jewellery and watches are the most likely items to be taken if burglars enter your home. Hiding your valuables in a concealed safe which is secured to the wall or floor is one of the best ways to keep them away from intruders.”

Tip three - Install home security

“Almost a third (31%) of homes do not have any form of security measures, such as CCTV or burglar alarms. A home security system offers protection for your family and your property, by deterring criminals through the presence of such measures.  

It’s easier and cheaper than ever thanks to tech like smart doorbells and is something worth investing in to protect your home and family.” 

We hope these insights and tips help you ease your child in the event of a burglary. Our experts have prepared a range of useful guides, covering various security topics including burglars returning to the same property.