The latest data analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has identified the region in England and Wales with the highest burglary rate, where nearly one in 94 homes fell victim to theft. West Yorkshire reported 10.6 residential burglaries per 1,000 households in 2025, placing it at the top of the list. Following closely behind were Cleveland with 10.4 incidents and South Yorkshire with 10.1.
Despite recording the highest number of burglaries at 32,610, the Metropolitan Police, covering Greater London, ranked fourth with a rate of 9.5 incidents per 1,000 households. West Midlands rounded out the top five areas with 9.1 burglaries per 1,000 households, according to the analysis conducted by SJL Insurance Services.
Nationally, there were 154,161 reported residential burglaries in the 12 months leading up to December 2025, marking a 12% decrease compared to the previous year. However, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates the actual total to be around 327,000, capturing unreported incidents.
Craig Morgan, an insurance expert at SJL, expressed concerns about the high burglary risk in certain areas, emphasizing the importance of being adequately insured and aware of policy requirements. Burglars tend to strike during the early hours of the morning when homes are less likely to be noticed, but it is crucial to maintain home security throughout the day, especially when away.
For added safety, home insurance expert Matthew Harwood from Confused.com shared seven essential checks to perform before leaving the house, ensuring protection against potential break-ins.
