Millions of elderly people in the UK are putting their safety at risk by failing to install basic security measures, new research suggests.

Retirement finance and property specialist Homewise has suggested that a lack of funds is the root cause of the shortfall in security devices for the group.

According to the firm's survey, some 55 per cent of pensioners do not have a burglar alarm on their property, while more than three million over-65s have no safety chain on their door.

Mark Neal, managing director of Homewise, remarks: "Many pensioners have limited disposable incomes as a result of growing debts and an inadequate pension provision, so the prospect of spending several hundred pounds upgrading their home security simply isn't a viable option."

The Metropolitan Police advises that there are a number of schemes, such as those provided by Help the Aged or The HandyVan Service, which can help those of pensionable age to increase the security of their home at no cost to themselves.