New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that West Yorkshire has the highest rate of residential burglaries in England and Wales, with 10.6 incidents per 1,000 households in 2025. Cleveland follows closely at 10.4 per 1,000, and South Yorkshire at 10.1.
The Metropolitan Police area covering Greater London recorded the highest absolute number of burglaries at 32,610, but its rate of 9.5 per 1,000 households placed it fourth. The West Midlands completed the top five with 9.1 burglaries per 1,000 households.
Nationally, police recorded 154,161 residential burglaries across England and Wales in the 12 months to December 2025, a 12% decrease from the previous year. However, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates the true total at around 327,000, accounting for unreported crimes.
Craig Morgan, an insurance expert at SJL Insurance Services, which analysed the data, warned that residents in high-risk areas often underestimate their exposure. He noted that in the worst-affected regions, roughly one in 95 to 99 homes was burgled last year, making it a near-certainty over several years.
Burglars typically target homes in the early hours of the morning, but experts advise vigilance during the day as well. Confused.com home insurance expert Matthew Harwood recommends seven key checks before leaving the house to improve security.
