The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, Louise Casey, has welcomed a renewed emphasis on the impact of burglaries on victims, as part of the sentencing process.

Her endorsement follows the Sentencing Council's launch today of a three-month public consultation on its proposals to introduce a new guideline for judges and magistrates on sentences for all offences which involve burglary.

The Council has published a draft guideline which asks judges to focus on the harm to the victim, as well as the culpability of the offender.  For example, if a victim is at home when a burglary takes place or if significant trauma is experienced by the victim, the draft guideline directs the judge towards a more severe sentence. 

Louise Casey said:

'I welcome the new proposed guidelines on sentences for burglary, which place greater emphasis on the effects upon victims when deciding upon length of sentence.

'Burglary can be a terrifying and hugely upsetting crime and one that in my view should not be seen as a crime against a property, but a crime against a person or a family, for which there are often long lasting consequences.

'I hope that the renewed emphasis on the harm caused to victims when passing sentence will mean that we hear the victim's voice more clearly in criminal justice proceedings.'

More information on the Sentencing Council's proposals and consultation