Sheffield ranks among the most burgled UK cities

To mark National Home Security Month, home improvement specialists Eurocell analysed police crime data across the most populated cities, examining police constabulary burglary rates over the last year to reveal which areas are targeted the most.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), nearly 1 in 100 homes in the UK are burgled. With the Christmas season approaching, valuable gifts, decorations and extra family tend to be in the house, making it especially important to prioritise home security.

With 1 in every 154 residents affected, Sheffield has the tenth highest burglary rate. July 2023 saw the most burglaries with 393 in one month.

Leeds ranked highest, with 1 in 63 people affected in the last year.

Across all cities, January had the highest burglary rates in the past year. The combination of darker evenings, expensive Christmas gifts, and families travelling away for the New Year, it all adds up to create an opportune time for burglars, with more empty households to target.

Sharing advice to prevent burglary attacks, Beth Boulton, marketing director at Eurocell:

“As the colder season approaches, it’s an exciting time to feel cosy and festive. However, with burglary rates peaking post-Christmas in January, it’s important to stay vigilant. Before leaving home, take a moment to ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure.

“If you're considering an upgrade to your security, investing in composite doors and UPVC windows is a smart choice. These options offer more secure locks that are harder to pick than traditional cylinder styles.

“Nobody wants to come home to an intrusion, so if you plan to leave your house unattended for extended periods, ask a trusted friend or family member to check in on it. Also, consider setting a timer on lights and radios to mimic the presence of people at home.

Protecting your home during the winter months requires some diligence, but this effort will give you peace of mind and keep your loved ones safe, no matter where you are.”

For the full research please visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/blog/the-cities-most-affected-by-burglaries