The locations set to see burglaries rise by an average of 24% by 2026

With locations across England and Wales experiencing an average of over 255,000 domestic break-ins annually, and a shocking 64% of burglaries taking place while someone is at home, new research by comparethemarket.com reveals which areas will see burglary rates worsen by 2026.

Having analysed the number of domestic burglaries[2] reported between 2015 and 2021, and combined the figures with a forecasting model, the research predicts the locations that will experience the highest percentage increase in burglaries up to 2026.

By 2026, Hampshire is predicted to experience a 70% rise in burglaries compared to those reported in 2021. This is significantly higher than the average increase across England and Wales, at 24%.

Cumbria is expected to see burglaries go up by 65%, while Kent (+61%), Cleveland (+56%) Lincolnshire (+53%), Dyfed-Powys (+50%), Sussex (+50%), and Cheshire (+49%) can also expect significant increases.

Domestic burglary offences between 2020-2021 decreased by almost a third (31%), likely driven by lockdown restrictions and people spending more time in their homes[3]. As the research shows, this trend isn’t here to stay, with the majority of England and Wales forecast to see burglary cases steadily increase up until 2026. However, there are a handful of locations where annually reported break-ins are set to decrease.

Devon and Cornwall can expect burglaries to drop the most significantly, with a decrease of 30% within the next five years. Essex (-23%),  Bedfordshire (-10%), and Leicestershire (-9%) will also see a reduction in the number of crimes.

West Yorkshire, despite experiencing a high number of burglaries in 2021, is only predicted to see a 3% increase by 2026. This area is where Leeds-based residents Cameron (24) and Rosie (26) were burglary victims.

Rosie, 26, experienced two break-ins within a short period of time. She told comparethemarket.com: “The first time, burglars threw a large construction stone through the window and grabbed my partner’s work laptop.

“The second time happened after midnight on a Friday night when we were in the next room. I caught the guy with his hand through the window seconds away from grabbing my laptop.

“After the second break-in, our landlord made serious improvements. They installed a high fence so that the back window wasn’t visible from the street, along with motion-activated CCTV cameras equipped with a floodlight, a new double-glazed window and venetian blinds for privacy.”

Cameron, 24, who experienced a break in while on a night out, said: “The incident happened between 11pm and 4am. We left a top-floor toilet window open, which one of the burglars scaled up to via the drainpipe.

“They threw a brick through the glass panel of the back door and crawled through. All bedroom doors were locked but they were kicked through, with three PlayStations, two laptops, one MacBook and other expensive items stolen.”

Commenting on the findings, Ursula Gibbs, Director at comparethemarket.com, said: “With most of the UK set to see an increase in burglaries over the next few years, regardless of whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you need insurance to be protected.

“If you don’t yet have buildings or contents insurance but are looking to do so, it’s important that you take out the correct level of cover to protect your house and your belongings. When thinking about how much the contents of your home would cost you to replace, make sure you remember everything from the TV and sofa to your kitchen cutlery and clothes. If you also have individual items of high value, check to see whether you need to declare these separately.”

Top five tips to keep your home safe

• Install a floodlight – the light makes it easier for neighbours and CCTV cameras to see
• Avoid publicising your holidays – burglars browse online, so set your social profile to private
• Invest in remote CCTV monitoring – monitor your home 24/7 from wherever you are
• Don’t leave valuables by your windows – burglars will see their chance to smash and grab
• Consider smart lightbulbs – have lights on a timer, so it looks like someone is in