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Home security improvements

How secure is your home?

Your home should be your safe space, but how well is it really protected? Answer a few quick questions and find out your security score in minutes.
About your property

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five-lever-mortice-deadlock

5 lever mortice deadlock

A single bolt lock which is inserted into a hole, the mortice, which has been cut into the edge of the door. This is the standard deadlock.

five-lever-mortice-deadlock-BS3621

5 lever mortice deadlock BS3621

Same as a standard mortice deadlock but conforms to the correct British Standard.

key-operated-multi-point-locking-system

Key operated multi-point locking system

A multi-point locking system that usually has several locking points that all lock simultaneously by the turn of a key. Multi-point locks are most commonly found on uPVC doors.

rim-automatic-deadlatch-with-key-locking-handle

Rim automatic deadlatch with key locking handle

A rim lock or night-latch is a lock which is attached to the surface of the door, and is normally fitted at shoulder height. This lock type is very common and is often fitted to the property’s main entrance.

*This tool is for general guidance only and should not be relied on as fact or advice. It uses AI generation and contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0 and v3.0. We provide no warranty, representation or guarantee that its output is complete, accurate or up-to-date. Use of this tool is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Burglaries in the UK

We looked at regional police reports to see where burglaries are happening most and what’s being taken.

London had the highest number of burglaries at over 108,000, while Northern Ireland saw the lowest with just 2,200. Most thieves target cash, but some regions see different trends like bikes in the North East and jewellery in Yorkshire and the Humber. So it’s worth double-checking that you have things like jewellery and bikes covered on your home insurance policy.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the year ending March 2025 there were 166,577 police recorded home burglaries across England and Wales. When averaged out that’s 456 home burglaries a day and a house burgled every 189 seconds.

In most burglaries, the thief enters through a door. While around a third of burglars gain entry through a window. So no matter where you live make sure you're locking up to avoid invalidating your home insurance.

Region Theft rate** Top stolen items**
East Midlands
35,954
Cash / TV
East of England
22,559
Cash
London
108,443
Cash
North East
19,771
Cash / Bike
North West
48,995
Cash
Northern Ireland
2,200
Cash / Watches
South East
27,912
Cash
South West
24,379
Cash
Wales
9,754
Cash
West Midlands
16,465
Cash
Yorkshire & the Humber
38,773
Jewellery

**Burglary data obtained through Freedom of Information requests to UK police forces in July 2025. Data displayed is based on the number of burglaries reported between 2022 and 2024.

How to keep your home secure

  • Lock up properly - always lock doors and windows, even if you’re just popping out. Most burglars look for an easy way in.
  • Let there be light - motion-sensor lights at the front and back of your home can stop thieves from lurking in the dark.
  • Keep valuables out of sight - don’t leave laptops, phones or keys where they can be seen through a window.
  • Add visible deterrents - a camera doorbell or CCTV can put off opportunistic thieves.
  • Secure the garden - lock gates, sheds and garages. Tools and ladders can be used to break in.
  • Make it look lived in - use timers on lights and ask a neighbour to collect post if you’re away.

What to do if you've been burgled

We hope it never happens, but if it does, here’s how to handle a burglary and start getting back on your feet.

  • Put safety first - get yourself and anyone else in the house to a safe place.
  • Call the police - dial 999 if the intruder is still there or just left. Use 101 to report a burglary that’s already happened. Don’t touch anything.
  • Secure your home - once the police have finished, carry out temporary repairs, board up broken windows and change locks.
  • Make a list of what’s gone - include photos, serial numbers if you have them, and any damages.
  • Protect your accounts and devices - cancel stolen bank cards, report missing ID to GOV.UK, and block stolen phones or laptops.
  • Contact your insurer - give them the crime reference number and your list to start your claim quickly.

Protection for your home

A break-in’s bad enough without worrying about the cost. Home insurance can help cover the cost of repairs from things like broken glass or forced entry and replacing your belongings.

Extra security like alarms and good locks could lower your costs, and if your contents are valued properly, you’re less likely to be left out of pocket.

You can also get extra cover or add-ons for high-value items like jewellery, tech or art, so you can make sure they’re properly protected too.

Home insurance won’t undo what happened but it can help put things right.

Protect your home and your belongings with home insurance

Need more help?

What’s the cheapest way to improve home security?

Small, low-cost changes can make all the difference. Adding motion-sensor lights, fitting window locks, and installing a camera doorbell are all affordable ways to deter burglars.

Does having CCTV lower home insurance costs?

It can. Some insurers offer discounts for visible security measures like CCTV, alarms, or upgraded locks, as they reduce the risk of a claim. Always check with your provider.

What’s the best lock for a front door?

Insurance-approved locks such as a 5-lever mortice deadlock (BS3621) or a multi-point locking system for uPVC doors offer strong protection and may help meet your insurer’s security requirements.

Unless otherwise stated, research carried out by One Poll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK adults between 25th and 30th July 2025.