What is burglary? 

Burglary involves the illegal entry into a building or other area without permission in order to commit a crime, usually theft, robbery, and damage. 

Section 9 of the Theft Act 1968 defines burglary as either:

• Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser with intent to commit theft, grievous bodily harm, or criminal damage.

• Stealing, or inflicting or attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, having entered a building or part of a building as a trespasser.

What is the difference between Burglary, Robbery, and Theft? 

Robbery

Whereas Burglary generally involves illegally entering a building to commit a crime, Robbery involves theft from a person using force or the threat of force. 

Theft Act 1968 Definition

Theft

Theft on the other hand, is the act of taking another person's property or services without that person's permission or consent. 

Theft Act 1968 Definition

UK Burglary Statistics (2025)

From March 2024 to March 2025, there were 245,284 burglaries recorded in England and Wales. 

Out of those recorded offences 166,577 of those made up domestic offences, whereas 78,707 made up non-domestic offences. 

[ONS]

England regions with the highest burglary rates (2025)

Which regions have the most burglaries in England? These are the top five regions where burglary offences were most frequently reported in England from March 2024 to March 2025.

London, Yorkshire and The Humber, and the North West remain the regions most affected by burglary, with residential properties making up the majority of offences.

[ONS]

Top 10 counties and areas for burglary (2025)

Which areas have the most burglaries in England? These counties and policing areas recorded the highest number of burglaries in England from March 2024 to March 2025.

West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester are among the most affected counties, highlighting urban areas as burglary hotspots.

[ONS]

Burglary Trends Over Time (2002-2025)

How have Burglary statistics changed over time? 

The number of police recorded burglary offences in England and Wales from 2002 to 2025. 

Burglary offences have fallen by 72.5% since 2002/03, from 890,099 cases to 245,284 in 2024/25.

[Source : Statistica]

Home Security Tips: How to Prevent Burglary and Keep Your Home Safe

Most burglaries are opportunistic, meaning simple, preventative actions could significantly reduce your risk. Here are practical home security tips from the SimpliSafe home security experts to help protect your home from burglary in 2025 and beyond.  1. Secure all windows and doors 

Doors and windows are the most common entry points used in a burglary. So, although it might be stating the obvious, ensure that all exterior doors and windows are locked and secured. This also includes any side doors or back entrances, and particularly ground-floor or easily accessible windows. 2. Install a monitored security system 

An at home security system can not only be a great visual deterrent for potential intruders, it can also provide visual monitoring by positioning CCTV cameras to cover vulnerable entry points on your property. For extra peace of mind, opt for a system with 24/7 security monitoring. If triggered, the security team can check to ensure it isn't a false alarm or dispatch a guard. 3. Install motion sensors and timed lights

Motion-sensitive outdoor lights can be a great way to scare off potential intruders after dark. Adding porch lights, and lights on the drive and throughout the garden can act as a great deterrent. For the inside of the home, you could plug in lamps on an automatic timer to switch on when dark, as this will give the appearance that someone is home.  4. Lock the garage and outbuildings

Sheds and outbuildings are also big targets. 2024 saw a 20% rise in reports of outbuildings being broken into, as they generally store expensive tools and equipment. They can provide access to tools that intruders may use to get into the home, so always make sure they are well secured.  5. Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Whether you’re going out for the evening or away on holiday, knowing that you can rely on a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property can offer great peace of mind. Another great option is to join a Neighbourhood Watch or local resident watch scheme, which can help prevent crime in your area, and make you feel safer.

Burglary FAQs: What UK Homeowners Should Know

Are burglaries on the rise in the UK?

No. Police data shows that reported burglary rates have decreased by 72.5% between 2002 and 2025. Burglary rates do vary per region, but the number of incidents recorded in areas such as London and Yorkshire and Humberside remain high.

Do most burglaries happen during the day?

According to government data, many burglaries occur in the evening between 6PM and midnight. In some instances, burglaries are more likely to take place when the occupant isn’t at home. Therefore, taking the right safety precautions is crucial at all times. 

Does home insurance cover burglary?

Most home insurance policies include cover for stolen items and property damage caused by forced entry, but you may need to meet specific security requirements, such as using British Standard locks. Always check your home building insurance and household contents insurance policy details to see what they do and don’t cover. 

Are tenants liable for burglary damage?

Typically, landlords are responsible for structural repairs, while tenants are responsible for replacing personal items or broken locks. Always check your tenancy agreement and insurance policy. 

Can’t sleep after a burglary?

Feeling anxious or unsafe is common after a break-in. Contact Victim Support or your local police for help, and consider upgrading your home security to help regain peace of mind.

About SimpliSafe:

Home security brand, SimpliSafe launched in the UK in April 2019 with the goal to make ‘every home secure’. Originally founded in the US in 2006, SimpliSafe fundamentally changed the alarm industry, pioneering a new way to make home the safest place for everyone. It was the first to offer homeowners a professional monitoring home security service with its systems that have no long-term contracts and at affordable prices. Each SimpliSafe system comes with a Base Station, Wireless Keypad and Indoor Camera at its core, then additional sensors and cameras can be added to suit the layout of different homes. SimpliSafe and its respective logos are the registered trademarks of SimpliSafe, Inc. in the UK, United States and other countries. Visit SimpliSafe.co.uk for more details.