Newly released figures have exposed Britain's most significant burglary hotspots, with experts issuing a stark warning to homeowners as the darker autumn and winter months approach.
The National Picture: A Surge in Break-Ins
According to the most recent property crime statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a staggering more than 245,000 burglaries were recorded during the 2024-25 financial year. Of these, a concerning 67.91% targeted residential properties. Insurance brokers Alan Boswell Group, in a new report, highlight that break-ins soar during the autumn and winter, with some areas experiencing a dramatic 38% spike between October and December.
Revealing the UK's Burglary Hotspots
The report identified the council areas with the highest number of burglaries per 1,000 daytime population, which includes residents, commuters, and visitors. The top ten list presents a surprising mix of affluent and less wealthy areas.
The 10 worst areas for burglaries are:
- Kensington & Chelsea - 7.20
- Middlesbrough - 6.80
- Leeds - 6.78
- Bradford - 6.30
- Kingston upon Hull - 6.17
- Haringey - 5.68
- Enfield - 5.53
- Hackney - 5.50
- Barnet - 5.43
- Southwark - 5.41
Conversely, the areas with the fewest burglaries per 1,000 daytime population include the City of London (0.70), Swindon (1.56), and Milton Keynes (1.66).
Expert Advice: How to Secure Your Home This Winter
Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at Alan Boswell Group, emphasised that most burglars are opportunistic, targeting homes with "easy access points" that appear empty or simple to enter unseen. He provided three key tips for homeowners.
First, fortify your access points. Ensure your doors are fitted with high-quality, thief-resistant locks that meet the BS3621 standard. Ground-floor windows should have key-operated locks and ideally be made of toughened or laminated glass to prevent easy entry.
Second, create the illusion that someone is home. A well-lit exterior is a powerful deterrent. Install motion-activated lighting around your property and consider displaying visible security systems like alarm boxes or smart doorbells. Using timers on indoor lights and radios can also create the impression of occupancy, while keeping landscaping trimmed removes potential hiding spots for intruders.
Finally, remove temptation. Keep valuables, including wrapped Christmas presents, out of sight from windows. Mr Alexander-Bew also recommends marking valuable items with your postcode or ID to make them harder to sell if stolen, thereby reducing the potential reward for a burglar.
According to official police advice, you should call 999 to report a burglary if it is in progress, and 101 if the crime has already happened. You will typically be given a crime reference number to provide to your insurance company.
