Burglary Statistics and Home Security Across England and Wales
Understanding the risks and how to protect your home
Residential burglary continues to be a major concern for homeowners across England and Wales. In the 12 months leading up to March 2025, more than 245,000 burglaries were recorded, showing that break ins remain a persistent threat despite improvements in awareness and security technology. Many people assume burglaries only happen when a property is empty, but this is not always the case. In fact, one in three victims were at home at the time of the offence, often unaware that a crime was taking place.
Understanding where and how burglaries happen is essential when it comes to protecting your home. By recognising the most affected areas, common entry points, and the times when offences are most likely to occur, homeowners can take practical steps to reduce their risk. Investing in the right home security system remains one of the most effective ways to deter intruders and protect both people and property.
Changes Compared to Last Year
Our previous analysis highlighted the areas most affected by residential burglary during 2024. While the overall picture remains similar, there have been notable shifts in figures across several regions.
London continues to record the highest number of burglaries in England and Wales. Although incidents have fallen compared to the previous year, the capital remains significantly more affected than any other region, underlining the ongoing need for robust home security solutions.
The Most Burgled Areas in England and Wales
London
With 52,836 burglaries recorded in the year to March 2025, London remains the most targeted region. Although this represents a reduction of just over six percent from the previous year, the sheer volume of offences highlights the continued vulnerability of homes across the capital.
West Midlands
The West Midlands reported 15,997 burglaries over the same period. This equates to almost two burglaries every hour, affecting major urban areas such as Birmingham and Coventry as well as surrounding towns.
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire also recorded a high number of burglaries, with just over 15,000 incidents reported. Cities including Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield continue to experience notable levels of residential crime, reinforcing the importance of effective home security measures.
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester saw 13,847 burglaries in the year to March 2025. From central Manchester to nearby areas such as Salford and Stockport, the region experiences an average of one burglary approximately every 90 minutes.
The Least Burgled Areas in England and Wales
Cumbria
Cumbria recorded the lowest number of burglaries nationally, with 1,065 incidents in the review period. This averages fewer than three per day, reflecting the region’s rural nature and lower population density.
Dyfed Powys
Dyfed Powys experienced 1,597 burglaries, representing a noticeable increase compared to the previous year. Despite this rise, it remains one of the least affected regions overall due to its rural landscape and dispersed communities.
Wiltshire
Wiltshire recorded 1,627 burglaries during the same period, averaging around four to five incidents per day. Rural and suburban areas within the county continue to see lower levels of residential break ins.
North Wales
North Wales reported 1,757 burglaries in the year to March 2025. While this places it among the least affected regions, it still equates to a household being targeted roughly once every five hours.
Our previous analysis highlighted the areas most affected by residential burglary during 2024. While the overall picture remains similar, there have been notable shifts in figures across several regions.
When Do Burglaries Most Commonly Happen?
Although burglaries can occur at any time, clear patterns emerge from the data. Around one third of break ins happen at night, when homes are darker and occupants may be asleep. The majority of incidents occur during the working week, with nearly seven in ten burglaries taking place between Monday and Friday.
These trends suggest that offenders often exploit predictable routines, such as people being at work or school. Simple preventative measures, including using timers for lighting and avoiding visible signs that a property is unoccupied, can help reduce the risk.
Are Burglaries Often Committed by Someone Familiar?
Contrary to popular belief, burglars are not always strangers. More than a quarter of burglaries involve someone the household knows well, while a further 16 percent are committed by someone the victim has seen or spoken to before. In total, over 40 percent of break ins involve a familiar individual, showing that security risks can come from closer to home than expected.
How Do Burglars Gain Entry?
Most burglars target the most accessible parts of a property. The front door is used in over two thirds of cases, followed by the back door. Side entrances are used far less frequently, indicating that criminals favour obvious and easily accessible entry points.
Doors are involved in the majority of burglaries, often due to forced locks, unlocked doors, or deception. In some cases, offenders gain access using a key, while others rely on force or damage to door panels or frames. These findings highlight how critical strong door security and locking systems are in preventing break ins.
Damage Caused During Burglaries
Burglaries frequently result in damage to the property itself. Most victims report damage to external doors, while many also experience broken locks. Windows, furniture, and internal fittings are also commonly affected, adding to the financial and emotional impact of the crime.
How to Protect Your Home from Burglary
Install a Home Security System
A professionally installed intruder alarm is one of the most effective ways to protect your home. Systems can include door contacts, motion detectors, panic buttons, and shock sensors, all designed to protect your household and deter intruders. Monitored systems provide an added layer of reassurance, with alarms being monitored around the clock and appropriate action taken if an activation occurs.
Strengthen Your Door Security
Ensuring your doors are fitted with high quality locks is essential. Using two locks or a multi point locking system provides added protection if one lock is compromised. Strong cylinders and well maintained locking mechanisms significantly reduce the risk of forced entry.
Use Video Doorbells and Cameras
Visible cameras and video doorbells act as powerful deterrents. With motion detection, automatic recording, and smartphone alerts, these systems allow you to monitor your property at all times while providing valuable evidence if an incident occurs.
Secure Valuables
Burglars often target small, high value items that are easy to carry and difficult to trace. Keeping valuables out of sight, storing them in a secure safe, and spreading items throughout the home can all help reduce losses.
Be Cautious Online
Sharing holiday plans or location details on social media can unintentionally signal that your home is empty. Keeping privacy settings secure and avoiding real time updates about your whereabouts can help protect your property.
Why Choose Thames Valley Securitek Ltd
At Thames Valley Securitek Ltd, we’re proud to be trusted by homeowners across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.
With over 20 years of experience, we deliver reliable, high-quality security solutions backed by friendly, local service. Every installation is tailored to your home and lifestyle, ensuring the right protection without unnecessary extras.
Start protecting your home with confidence — contact Thames Valley Securitek Ltd today and find the perfect alarm system for your home in Farnham.