Our little Leftie friend should really keep up at the back. The last Labour Government (probably THE last! hoho) extended the pernicious Yooman Rights legislation to include illegal activities. M'learned friends assure me that scratches and damage caused during such activities must be fully compensated by householders at a minimum rate of ?50 per inch for brambles (more if trained to attack) with higher payments for broken glass wounds brought about, for example, by window panes frustrating entry(these should ideally always be left open to avoid such incidents ). Household pets must be restrained~one individual was royally compensated having been savaged by a hamster. Householders are however allowed to defend themselves with a tea spoon but only with reasonable force, and should always offer intruders suitable non alcoholic light refreshments. Police should not be involved if the individual appears to be vulnerable in any way. The last vestige of protection for occupants disappears if the burglar is a paid up member of NUNO, National Union of Night Operatives, allied to that much loved tribe of Luddite relics, RMT. If one of them breaks and enters you have no chance. Best to kill him and hide the body in the recycling bin.