The latest data analysis from the Office for National Statistics has revealed that West Yorkshire holds the title of the burglary hotspot in England and Wales, with approximately one out of every 94 homes being targeted by thieves in the region.
In 2025, West Yorkshire recorded 10.6 residential burglaries per 1,000 households, closely followed by Cleveland at 10.4 per 1,000 households and South Yorkshire at 10.1.
Despite Metropolitan Police in Greater London reporting the highest number of burglaries at 32,610, its rate of incidents, at 9.5 per 1,000 households, placed it in fourth position. The top five areas with the highest burglary rates also included West Midlands at 9.1 burglaries per 1,000 households.
In the 12 months leading up to December 2025, police documented 154,161 residential burglaries across England and Wales, marking a 12% decrease from the previous year. However, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates the actual total to be around 327,000, including unreported incidents.
Craig Morgan, an insurance expert at SJL, expressed concerns about the high burglary rates in certain areas, emphasizing the importance of being adequately insured and aware of policy requirements to prevent financial losses in case of break-ins.
Burglars tend to target homes during the early hours of the morning when neighborhoods are quiet, and residents are less likely to detect suspicious activities. It is crucial to secure homes even during daytime to prevent potential break-ins while residents are away.
To enhance home security, Matthew Harwood, a home insurance expert at Confused.com, recommends conducting seven essential safety checks before leaving the house, ensuring that properties are less vulnerable to theft.
