Burglary remains a pervasive concern across the UK, with victims often confronting the harsh reality of broken doors and violated personal spaces, their valuable items gone. Experiencing a break-in can be a harrowing ordeal whether it occurs at home or within the confines of a business, impacting victims on multiple levels—from financial to emotional stress.
With burglaries occurring with troubling frequency—one every two minutes—it’s no surprise that both residential and commercial property owners are increasingly anxious about safeguarding their premises. The annual losses for small businesses due to theft and burglary soar to an astonishing £12.9 billion, while the average burglary at a home costs owners about £2,800 in stolen items, not to mention an additional £600 for damage repairs. Such financial burdens can be devastating, particularly when attacks are recurrent.
Understanding the high-risk zones and being proactive about prevention are vital in mitigating these risks. Our upcoming analysis in the latest crime report will pinpoint the UK’s most burglary-prone areas, providing an overview and a detailed ranking of the 25 regions most affected. We will also cover the latest trends in burglary, giving readers the insights needed to stay one step ahead in securing their properties.
Burglary Across The UK: An Overview
In the past year, the UK witnessed 281,872 burglary incidents, reflecting a rate of 4.3 burglaries per 1000 individuals. Though this number is lower compared to other crimes like petty theft, the significant impact of burglaries makes their frequency particularly alarming.
Types of Burglaries: Residential and Non-Residential
The majority of these burglaries, about two-thirds, are residential. This category includes a variety of living spaces such as houses, flats, apartments, mobile homes, and student accommodations. The remaining third pertains to non-residential burglaries, affecting a range of premises from small businesses and shops to offices, compounds, and industrial sites.
Targeting Patterns and Burglary Methods
Residential areas tend to attract more frequent but generally less sophisticated burglary attempts, often resulting in the theft of a limited number of valuable items. In contrast, businesses are more likely to suffer from coordinated burglary attempts, orchestrated by groups who plan extensively to maximize the theft of valuable assets. The presence of high-value equipment in businesses typically leads to more organized crime efforts, highlighting the necessity for effective early warning systems and quick response strategies to prevent substantial losses.
Related Post: The 25 Most Dangerous Areas Of Wales (2024 Updated)
Revealed: The 25 Worst Burglary Hotspots In The UK
The list below highlights regions that have faced significant burglary issues, sparking concern among their communities.
25. Dorset
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.6 Per 1000 People
Dorset experiences a notably high incidence of burglaries, averaging 3.6 per 1000 inhabitants. The primary area of concern is Bournemouth, which contributes heavily to the region’s crime statistics. Last year, the total reported burglaries reached 2,824, maintaining the previous year’s level.
24. Essex
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.7 Per 1000 People
Just outside London, Essex faces its own challenges with a burglary rate of 3.7 per 1000 people. The total number of burglary incidents reported was 6,973, marking a 2% increase from the year before, signaling a troubling upward trend.
23. Staffordshire
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.7 Per 1000 People
Staffordshire, covering areas from its central town through Stoke-on-Trent to Alton Towers, reports a burglary rate of 3.7 per 1000 people. The region saw 4,293 incidents last year, with a significant 6% increase in burglaries, highlighting a growing problem.
22. Gwent
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.8 Per 1000 People
Gwent, representing the sole Welsh entry on this list, has a burglary rate higher than the national Welsh average at 3.8 per 1000 people. Encouragingly, though, there’s a silver lining as the number of burglaries dropped by 16% to 2,237 incidents, offering hope for improved security.
21. Hampshire
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.9 Per 1000 People
Hampshire, known for its historical and economic significance, reported a burglary rate of 3.9 per 1000. Last year, the area documented 7,814 burglaries, a number that poses significant concern for locals.
20. West Mercia
Burglary Crime Rate of 3.9 Per 1000 People
Covering Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, West Mercia reported a comparable burglary rate of 3.9 per 1000 people. The region experienced a 5% rise in burglary incidents, totaling 5,120 last year, indicating a worrying trend in this expansive jurisdiction.
19. Warwickshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Warwickshire, known for its picturesque rural landscapes and the iconic Warwick Castle, experiences a burglary rate of 3.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This translates to 2,357 recorded incidents in the area. Over the past year, the region has seen an 8% increase in burglaries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.
18. Northamptonshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Northamptonshire, a county of tranquil rivers and rolling hills, reports a burglary rate of 3.9 per 1,000 people. Despite its relatively low population density, the county recorded over 3,000 burglaries last year. The annual increase of 3% signals a worsening trend that may continue to affect local communities.
19. Warwickshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Warwickshire, known for its picturesque rural landscapes and the iconic Warwick Castle, experiences a burglary rate of 3.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This translates to 2,357 recorded incidents in the area. Over the past year, the region has seen an 8% increase in burglaries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.
18. Northamptonshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Northamptonshire, a county of tranquil rivers and rolling hills, reports a burglary rate of 3.9 per 1,000 people. Despite its relatively low population density, the county recorded over 3,000 burglaries last year. The annual increase of 3% signals a worsening trend that may continue to affect local communities.
17. Derbyshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Derbyshire is home to much of the Peak District, a national park known for its natural beauty. However, urban areas such as Derby and Chesterfield contribute to the county’s burglary rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents. With 4,185 incidents last year and an 11% increase in cases, Derbyshire shows one of the fastest-growing burglary trends in the UK.
16. Merseyside
Burglary Crime Rate: 3.9 Per 1,000 People
Merseyside, encompassing Liverpool and nearby towns like Southport and St. Helens, has a burglary rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Encouragingly, this figure represents a 13% decrease from the previous year, with 5,687 reported incidents. This reduction brings some relief to residents concerned about the safety of their properties.
15. Cambridgeshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.0 Per 1,000 People
Famous for its academic heritage and the historic city of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire faces a burglary rate of 4 incidents per 1,000 people. Last year, the county recorded exactly 3,600 burglaries, marking a 7% increase. This upward trend suggests a growing challenge for authorities in safeguarding homes and businesses.
14. Nottinghamshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.2 Per 1000 People
Nottinghamshire, with its rich heritage linked to legends and folklore, records a burglary rate of 4.2 per 1000 residents. The total incidents numbered 4,853 last year, though the area has witnessed a 4% decrease in burglary incidents, signaling a possible improvement in local security measures.
13. Lincolnshire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.2 Per 1000 People
Lincolnshire, stretching along England’s eastern coastline, experiences a similar burglary rate of 4.2 per 1000 people, totaling 3,276 incidents. This figure has seen a slight increase of 1% over the past year, indicating a trend that could be worrisome if it continues.
12. Northumbria
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.3 Per 1000 People
The historic region of Northumbria, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, sees a burglary rate of 4.3 per 1000 people. The total count of 6,255 burglaries last year represents a 7% decrease, showing signs of potential progress in combating property crime.
11. Gloucestershire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.5 Per 1000 People
Gloucestershire, encircling the urban hubs of Gloucester and Cheltenham, reports a burglary rate of 4.5 per 1000 residents, tallying up to 2,917 incidents. There’s a small yet encouraging 2% decline in burglary cases, giving hope for continued improvements.
10. Leicestershire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.5 Per 1000 People
Leicestershire, primarily recognized for the city of Leicester, shows a consistent burglary rate of 4.5 per 1000 people, with 5,127 recorded incidents. This rate has seen a nominal increase of 1%, suggesting a stable yet watchful scenario for local authorities.
9. Lancashire
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.6 Per 1000 People
In Lancashire, from the lively seaside resort of Blackpool to the academically acclaimed town of Lancaster, the burglary rate is slightly higher at 4.6 per 1000 people, resulting in 7,208 offences. An 11% reduction in this rate over the previous year marks a significant stride toward safety.
8. Durham
Burglary Crime Rate: 4.9 Per 1000 People
Durham, nestled to the south of Newcastle, encounters a troubling burglary rate of 4.9 per 1000, leading to 3,123 incidents. Despite this high rate, the area has experienced a minor decrease of 1% from last year, indicating efforts toward improving security.
7. Humberside
Burglary Crime Rate: 6.0 Per 1000 People
Humberside, encompassing parts of East Riding of Yorkshire and notable for its port city Kingston upon Hull, faces a high burglary rate of 6 per 1000 people. This rate has escalated by 6% recently, totaling 5,666 incidents and signaling an urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies.
6. London: A High-Volume Challenge
Burglary Crime Rate: 6.3 per 1000 People
London, the UK’s largest city, naturally experiences a substantial volume of burglaries, amounting to 56,031 incidents. This equates to a rate of 6.3 burglaries per 1000 residents, the highest count nationally. Despite its extensive population and vibrant activity, the city has seen a 4% increase in burglary rates over the last year.
5. Greater Manchester: Urban Density and Crime
Burglary Crime Rate: 6.4 per 1000 People
Encompassing major urban areas and smaller towns like Bolton and Stockport, Greater Manchester reports a burglary rate of 6.4 per 1000 residents. The area recorded 18,687 burglary offences, although there has been a notable 20% decrease in incidents, suggesting improvements in local security measures.
4. West Yorkshire: Rising Concerns
Burglary Crime Rate: 6.5 per 1000 People
West Yorkshire, with populous cities like Leeds and Bradford, faces a serious burglary challenge, with rates climbing 11% in the past year to 6.5 per 1000 residents. This results in 15,417 reported burglaries, highlighting a critical area of concern for local authorities.
3. West Midlands: High Density, High Risk
Burglary Crime Rate: 6.9 per 1000 People
The West Midlands, primarily comprising Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, shows a high burglary rate of 6.9 per 1000 people. Although there is a high annual offence total of 20,457, the region has seen a 4% decrease in burglary offences, indicating some progress in combating this crime.
2. South Yorkshire: An Escalating Problem
Burglary Crime Rate: 8.4 per 1000 People
In South Yorkshire, areas like Sheffield and Doncaster face a distressing rate of 8.4 burglaries per 1000 people, translating to 11,701 incidents. This marks a 2% increase from the previous year, underscoring a growing issue in the region.
1. Cleveland: The Top Burglary Hotspot
Burglary Crime Rate: 8.8 per 1000 People
Cleveland has the dubious distinction of being the UK’s leading burglary hotspot, with a staggering rate of 8.8 per 1000 residents. Although the total number of burglaries, 5,109, might seem lower compared to larger areas, the per capita rate is alarmingly high and has risen by 10% in the last year.
These statistics and trends serve as a crucial wake-up call for communities and law enforcement to implement more effective preventative measures and community safety initiatives.