I haven’t played with the UK version, but IF it’s the same as the street views of US cities on MSN’s Live Maps, I don’t see the reason for any angst.

It’s not live so it can’t be used to “case” your house……..
.

It has been shown in Courts in the UK that G Earth was used to “Case” an area in which the scum could get the best getaway across gardens/wasteland etc. Not only for the best place to park the stolen car but also to avoid the copper-chopper and his infra-red. Now, the same scum can see if there is a low gate at the side, if the house is alarmed or not, where the phone line is. They can relate this image to the G. Earth and really plan a housebreak.
It would take a few “innocent” physical passes to get the same info and there is a risk of being seen.

Of course, this is a very small minority…….but it will be done.