A recent report has shown the main concerns that home owners have, in relation to their properties. We have all sat upright in bed in the dead of night, thinking that we have heard a noise, before realising it was nothing more than our imagination getting the better of us.

The fear of being burgled keeps, 64 per cent – nearly two thirds of Britons awake at night according to recent research from Halifax Home Insurance, published as part of the Halifax Peace of Mind Index.

Other top fears include ID theft or fraud, which affects 55 per cent, of British homeowners. Theft of personal belongings when they are outside the home concerns 47 per cent; vandalism and malicious damage 45 per cent and the fear of a house fire effects 44 of homeowners in Britain.

Burglary is found to be the biggest fear for all age groups except for those aged over 65 who, despite being viewed as an easier target for burglary, say their greatest worry is ID theft and fraud.

Knock at the door...

Maybe a sign of the times, 29 per cent of the people involved in the poll, state that unexpected visitors at the door leave them feeling unsafe, similarly 27 per cent say noise from the street outside makes them feel wary.

Nearly one in five respondents feel unsafe when at home alone at night and 15 per cent, say an unexpected telephone call late at night unsettles them. Perhaps with only themselves to blame, more than 11 per cent admitted that watching scary films puts them on edge.

Regionally, there are stark variations too. The top fear for 55 per cent of those in Scotland is a fire in the home, whilst 68 per cent of those in the West Midlands fear being burgled most.

Despite the common perception that theft and burglary are rife on the capital's streets, Londoners say their greatest fear is being a victim of identity theft or fraud with 63 per cent citing this as their main concern. Thirty-nine per cent of Scottish people are almost twice as likely to lose sleep worrying about a water leakage or burst pipes in the house, than the 20 per cent of those in the North East.

Creature comforts and cheaper premiums

Over half of the respondents stated that they sleep easy, having a landline telephone set up and connection to the internet, as this proves a comforting link to virtual communities, and a source of helpful support and advice, for 11 per cent of the homeowners involved.

Having adequate cover for items in the house can provide homeowners with peace of mind. Personal items such as landline phones, PCs and DVD and media players have all proved to be items that homeowners treasure. Having cover for these items could mean they can be replaced should this be needed.

Moreover, the premiums that are paid on home insurance can fall if the property is fitted with relevant security features.

Seventy-four or cent said they feel would safer at home, by having security locks on all of their doors and windows, whilst 67 per cent, stated that finding a partner or family member in the home puts their mind at ease.

So not only can their home insurance premiums be cheaper, homeowner will be more comfortable knowing that safety features are fitted within their homes.

Martyn Foulds, the Senior Claims Manager at Halifax Home Insurance said: "This research has presented interesting findings, especially when broken down by age and region. Whilst the country shares some of the more typical fears, the way we tackle these concerns can vary greatly.

He also added: "We all have our own home comforts - in many cases it's the age old methods, such as locks, lights or having a dog. Interestingly, there are also the more modern wonders such as the phone and internet which highlight the importance we place on contact with the world outside our front door."