THE Sentencing Council has a draft of new recommendations for courts under consultation which could see burglars treated more severely if they enter houses while residents are at home.

Lord Justice Leveson, the council chairman, said: “Burglary can have a very serious impact on victims.

“It is very far from being only a crime against property.

“As a result we have ensured that the impact on victims is at the centre of considerations about what sentence should be passed on a burglar.”

He added: “The guideline does not reduce the severity of sentences being given to those convicted of burglary.

“Rather it reinforces current sentencing practice that burglars targeting people’s homes can expect a custodial sentence.”

And that sentence will be more severe when victims suffer “significant trauma.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said he has seen pensioners’ lives ruined by being burgled and said research shows re-offending is reduced by longer sentences.

He said: “Evidence shows that current sentencing is not a sufficient deterrent.”

He added: “If people are going to burgle they should face stiffer sentencing.

“I would welcome measures to increase sentencing for serious crimes.”