How common is burglary in the UK? When do most break-ins happen? And how many could have been prevented simply by locking the door?

This article breaks down the latest burglary statistics for England and Wales, cutting through the noise to give you the facts that actually matter for protecting your home.

The Scale of the Problem

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were approximately 267,000 domestic burglary offences recorded by police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2023. The Crime Survey for England and Wales, which includes unreported crimes, suggests the true figure may be higher.

That translates to roughly 730 home burglaries every day—or one every two minutes.

However, there's context needed here. Burglary rates have actually fallen significantly over the past two decades. The risk to any individual household remains relatively low in absolute terms, though certain areas and property types face higher risk.

The Unlocked Door Problem

Here's the statistic that should give every homeowner pause:

That's right—roughly one in four burglaries involves no forced entry at all. The burglar simply walked in through a door or window that wasn't secured.

This figure comes from the Crime Survey for England and Wales and has remained stubbornly consistent over the years. It represents tens of thousands of burglaries annually that could have been prevented by the simple act of locking up.

When Burglaries Happen

Contrary to the popular image of the masked midnight intruder, most burglaries don't happen in the dead of night:

Peak Times for Burglary

• Mid-morning (10am-12pm): Many people at work, houses appear empty
• Early afternoon (1pm-3pm): After lunch lull, before school pickup
• School run time (3pm-4pm): Predictable absence from home

The pattern makes sense from a burglar's perspective: daylight allows them to see what they're doing, appear less suspicious to neighbours, and identify whether properties are occupied. Most burglars are opportunistic—they want easy targets, not confrontation.

Who Gets Burgled?

Burglary risk isn't evenly distributed. Certain factors increase vulnerability:

Property Type

• Flats and terraced houses have higher burglary rates than detached properties
• Ground floor flats are particularly vulnerable
• Corner properties and those backing onto alleys or parks face increased risk

Location

• Urban areas have roughly double the burglary rate of rural areas
• Areas of higher deprivation see more burglaries
• Properties near transport links may be more vulnerable

Household Factors

• Renters experience higher burglary rates than owner-occupiers
• Households with no security measures have significantly higher risk
• Previous burglary victims face elevated risk of repeat victimisation

What Burglars Take

Modern burglars are typically after items that are:

• Easy to carry (portable electronics, jewellery)
• Easy to sell (cash, phones, tablets)
• Left in obvious places (car keys by the front door)

The rise of car key burglary—where intruders target homes specifically to steal car keys and then the vehicle—has been notable in recent years. Vehicles can be worth tens of thousands, and the keys make theft far easier than hot-wiring.

What Actually Prevents Burglaries

The evidence on burglary prevention is clearer than you might expect:

Proven Deterrents

• Visible burglar alarms: Properties with alarms are less likely to be targeted
• Window locks: Particularly effective for preventing opportunistic entry
• Deadlocks on doors: Much harder to force than standard locks
• External lighting: Motion-activated lights deter approach
• Occupied appearance: Lights on timers, radios, visible activity

The Basics Matter Most

Research consistently shows that basic security measures—locked doors and windows, visible alarms, good lighting—make more difference than expensive technology. Burglars want easy targets; making your property slightly harder than the neighbour's is often enough.

The Detection Reality

Here's a sobering statistic:

Burglary has one of the lowest detection rates of any crime. Most burglars are never caught, and most stolen property is never recovered. This reality underscores the importance of prevention over reliance on the criminal justice system.

What to Do If You're Burgled

If you come home to find you've been burgled:

1. Don't enter if you think the intruder might still be inside—call 999
2. Try not to touch anything—preserve potential evidence
3. Call the police on 101 (or 999 if in progress)
4. Document what's missing for police and insurance
5. Contact your insurer as soon as practical
6. Secure the property—emergency locksmith if needed

Putting It in Perspective

While these statistics paint a concerning picture, it's worth maintaining perspective. The majority of UK households will never experience a burglary. Rates have fallen significantly over the past 20 years. And simple precautions dramatically reduce your risk.

The 25% figure for unlocked entry is both the most troubling and the most actionable statistic. It represents a problem that costs nothing to solve—just the consistent habit of checking that doors and windows are secured.

The Bottom Line

Burglary statistics tell a consistent story: most break-ins are opportunistic, many are preventable, and basic security discipline matters more than sophisticated technology.

The simplest step you can take? Make sure your door is actually locked. It sounds obvious—but 25% of burglary victims wish they had.