According to recent data from home security specialists ADT, there were 191,094 residential burglaries in England and Wales last year, a 1.8% increase from the previous year. This translates to almost 524 burglaries occurring every day. ADT has identified the UK’s top burglary hotspots and also highlighted the most commonly stolen items in home burglaries.
The most commonly stolen items in burglaries are money (including cash, cards, wallets, and purses), which make up 40% of all stolen items, followed by jewellery and watches at 32%, and computers (particularly laptops and tablets) at 23%. To protect these valuable items, ADT recommends storing them in a home safe.
Investing in property is not just about how many bedrooms a house has or its proximity to a good school. The safety of the area is a huge factor, and it’s especially important if you’re looking to rent out the property or live in it yourself. Let’s delve into some recent stats about the safest and riskiest places for burglaries in the UK.
What You Need to Know:
- National Picture: In England and Wales, residential burglaries increased by 1.8% last year, totalling 191,094. This is roughly 524 burglaries a day.
- Hot Items: What do burglars go for? Money and cards make up 40% of stolen items, followed by jewellery (32%), and computers (23%).
High-Risk Areas:
- Middlesbrough: This town tops the list with 22 burglaries per 1,000 households. However, it’s affordable, with an average home price of £152,790.
- Manchester: Second on the list with 20 burglaries per 1,000 households. Despite its ‘safer than London’ reputation, the data says otherwise.
- Doncaster: Has 18 burglaries per 1,000 households, but homes are relatively cheap at an average of £181,279.
- Birmingham: Experiencing 17 burglaries per 1,000 households, a high unemployment rate likely contributes to this statistic.
- Hartlepool and Kingston Upon Hull: Both places have 16 burglaries per 1,000 households but offer affordable housing options.
Low-Risk Areas:
- Breckland and Broadland in Norfolk: These areas recorded just 2 burglaries per 1,000 households. But, properties aren’t cheap; they average around £314,000 in Breckland.
- Isle of Anglesey and Isle of Wight: Both islands also report just 2 burglaries per 1,000 households. The Isle of Wight is pricier with an average house price of £375,049.
- Lewes in East Sussex: This sought-after area had just 2 burglaries per 1,000 households but comes with a high average house price of £591,253.
- Staffordshire Moorlands: Despite being between high-risk Manchester and Birmingham, this area recorded just 2 burglaries per 1,000 households. Property is below the national average at £192,037.
Investment Implications:
High-Risk Areas: If you’re considering property in a high-risk area, account for additional security measures, such as alarm systems and CCTV, in your investment plan. Tenants are less likely to rent a property in a high-crime area without them. Also, your insurance premiums could be higher.
Low-Risk Areas: These are ideal for long-term investments, particularly family homes. However, the property prices may be higher, meaning a bigger initial outlay.
Diversity in Portfolio: Considering a mix of high and low-risk areas can balance your portfolio. High-risk areas often offer higher returns due to lower property prices, while low-risk areas offer stability.
So, the key takeaway here? Knowing the burglary risk in an area can greatly affect your property investment strategy. Make sure you factor it into your decision-making process.