South Yorkshire Tops UK Burglary Rankings, Prompting Home Security Warnings
South Yorkshire has been identified as the area with the highest burglary rate in the UK, according to new research published by Go.Compare Home Insurance. The analysis found that one in every 73 households in the region, which includes major urban centres such as Sheffield and Rotherham, has experienced a burglary marking it as the most targeted region in the country.
Cleveland, in the North East and home to Middlesbrough, ranked second, with one burglary for every 82 homes. In contrast, the areas with the lowest recorded burglary rates include Cumbria, Suffolk, and Devon & Cornwall, highlighting a stark regional divide in household crime exposure.
Experts warn that these figures not only raise concerns about personal safety but also have direct financial implications for homeowners. “Burglary rates can significantly influence the cost of home insurance, as insurers adjust premiums based on local risk levels,” explained Nathan Blackler, a home insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare. “If you live in a higher-risk area, it’s essential to ensure your policy fully covers your possessions and that your home’s security systems are up to date.”
Blackler advises homeowners to take practical steps such as installing burglar alarms, upgrading door and window locks, and maintaining security features regularly. “These measures can reduce the likelihood of a break-in and, in many cases, lower insurance premiums. It’s also important to be accurate when declaring your home’s lock type mistakes here could invalidate a future claim,” he added.
With home break-ins becoming increasingly concentrated in specific regions, the report underscores the importance of proactive risk management for property owners especially in areas like South Yorkshire, where the risk remains notably high.
