As reported last week, the woman had antiques and personal items worth 'thousands' stolen from her home last month while she tended to her cancer-ridden brother.

Rugby Police investigated and gave the woman a crime-fighting manual advising on upgrading security.

However, when she enquired about installing a new security fence at her home, she was informed occupier liability rules meant she risked investigation herself if trespassers hurt themselves climbing over it.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "If I have got to live behind locked doors for the rest of my life, I hope the rest of my life isn't very long. But why would I want my house safe for these people? It's crazy."

Offenders raided the woman's house after smashing through a security gate several feet high and breaking through windows.

As well as valuable antiques, they also took wedding rings belonging to the woman and her now deceased-parents.

Police investigated and gave the divorcee a copy of Warwickshire Police's 'Operation Impact' manual, giving victims information on crime-fighting techniques and activities.

The woman later asked if she could install a new gate, complete with barbed wire or carpet gripper, to prevent further thieves climbing over.
However, the guide says she could risk prosecution herself if the trespassers hurt themselves on the beefed-up gate.

She said: "I respect that if the postman or the gas man calls, they don't expect to hurt himself. But I was speechless - you couldn't make it up. I think these laws show we have gone soft in the head."

Police advised the woman to fit alarms and are continuing investigations.

Adequate home security advice for homeowners is available from Rugby Police Station in Newbold Road.