Cleveland has been identified as the leading area for burglaries in England. This information comes from a recent study that has scrutinised Home Office crime figures and Census data, putting this region in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

The research, conducted by Go.Compare Home Insurance, points to a troubling scenario for residents of Cleveland, in North East England. Over the past year, up until September 2023, Cleveland Police, responsible for towns like Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, reported an alarming number of over 4,000 residential burglaries. This statistic translates to one burglary for every 61 households, a rate higher than any other police force area in the country.

The National Perspective

Cleveland isn’t alone in grappling with high burglary rates. The study shows other regions with significant burglary statistics:

• South Yorkshire follows Cleveland closely, having reported one burglary for every 66 households.
• West Midlands also shows a concerning figure with one burglary occurring every 75 households.

These findings underline a broad issue affecting various parts of the country, albeit with varying severity.

Impact on Home Insurance and Safety Tips

Nathan Blackler, a home insurance expert at Go.Compare, emphasises the wider implications of these statistics. Living in high-crime areas not only affects the sense of security but also inflates home insurance costs. Insurers perceive a higher risk of claims in such areas, which can drive up premiums.

Blackler advises residents of these high-risk areas to prioritise home security. He suggests:

• Enhancing home security measures.
• Securing comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate financial losses from potential burglaries.
• Implementing cost-reducing measures such as installing advanced security systems, participating in Neighborhood Watch programs, and opting for annual premium payments.

Moreover, regularly comparing insurance policies is crucial to ensure that residents are receiving the best possible rates.

Areas With Lower Burglary Rates

On the brighter side, the study also highlights regions with notably lower burglary rates, presenting a stark contrast to Cleveland:

• Devon and Cornwall boast the lowest burglary rate with only one incident per 395 households.
• Norfolk and Suffolk are also among the safest, with rates of one burglary per 335 and 297 households, respectively.

Wales Shows Promising Figures

Wales, in comparison, presents a more reassuring picture with significantly lower burglary rates than England. The study notes:

• Dyfed-Powys, covering areas like Carmarthenshire and Powys, has the lowest burglary rate in the country, with one burglary per 267 households.
• South Wales and North Wales are also safe bets with burglary rates of one per 250 and 244 households, respectively.
• Although Gwent records the highest burglary rate in Wales, with one burglary per 170 households, it is still better than many regions in England and Wales.

Overall, with an average of one burglary per 231 homes, Wales offers a safer environment compared to England’s average of one burglary per 129 homes.