More than 500 homes were burgled each day in 2022, according to new research.
In total 192,336 domestic burglaries were reported to the police in England and Wales last year, equivalent to 527 home burglaries each day – a slight increase from 2021 when there were 523 burglaries each day.
Churchill Home Insurance, based data from the 44 police forces in England and Wales.
Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Cleveland saw some of the biggest increases in burglaries year-on-year – domestic burglaries in Leicestershire rose by 39 per cent while burglaries also increased by 30 per cent in Staffordshire and 26 per cent in Cleveland.
London residents reported the most burglaries last year, with the Metropolitan Police receiving 40,257 reports, followed by Greater Manchester (16,761) and the West Midlands (15,844) respectively.
Some of the biggest falls in domestic burglaries last year were in Devon and Cornwall, Merseyside, and South Wales.
In Devon and Cornwall burglaries dropped 21 per cent in 2022 compared with the previous year. Burglaries also fell by 16 per cent in Merseyside and 12 per cent in South Wales.
The research found there were 3,536 aggravated domestic burglaries in 2022, where the criminal was armed with a firearm or weapon. There were 103 more aggravated burglaries last year compared with 2021.
Most victims of burglary stated they experienced a mixture of feelings at the time, but being angry (27 per cent), feeling less safe (23 per cent) and scared (19 per cent) were most common.
The average value of items stolen in burglaries was £1,368. Jewellery (18 per cent), laptops or computers (17 per cent) and money (17 per cent) were the items typically stolen.
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “This research highlights the importance of being extra vigilant, as burglaries are increasing in many parts of England and Wales. Worryingly, many burglaries are committed while the victims are at home.
“In the hot summer weather, it can be tempting to leave windows open during evening or at night.
“However, it’s important to take extra security precautions to make life as hard as possible for potential intruders by checking your doors, windows and garden gates are locked and keep valuables out of sight. Installing security lights, a home alarm system or a smart doorbell can also make your home more secure.
“As the average burglary results in the loss of more than £1,000 worth of belongings, it’s sensible to ensure you have adequate home contents and buildings cover in place.”
