SCOTS are increasingly keeping a weapon in their home to use on intruders, according to new research.

Just under one-quarter have admitted to taking the precaution with the favourite object being a baseball bat, followed by a heavy-duty torch. One in 10 people have an umbrella to guard against unwelcome visitors.

However, the study by insurance firm Swinton shows 28% of those who have a weapon keep it purely for peace of mind and more than one in 20 say they would never use it.

It reveals almost one in 20 adults do not feel safe in their own home.

Swinton spokesman Steve Chelton said: "It's a sad sign of the times that so many British householders don't feel safe in their own home.

"If you feel vulnerable it's important to do everything you can to secure your home by fitting good locks on windows and doors alongside installing devices like alarms and security lights.

"Many adults, especially those living alone or are vulnerable, keep a weapon for peace of mind, without having the intention of using it.

"You would hope people would have the sense to call the police if they suspected an intruder in their house and not try to tackle them themselves."

The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey shows there were a total of 28,144 house break-ins in Scotland in 2010/11.

The study of 2000 Scottish householders shows 40% of people sleep with their telephone next to their bed as a safety precaution, while 38% leave a light on when they go out.

However, despite 30% of Scots having a security alarm installed, one in 10 never actually set it and 12% say they only do when they go on holiday.