Nearly 100,000 home burglaries recorded in 2024

• Metropolitan police recorded the highest number of burglaries in 2024, at 32,775
• Just 5% of all home burglaries in 2024 resulted in an actual charge
• Durham police have had the highest success of making charges in response to a burglary report, at 13%.
• 1 in 5 (22%) have experienced a burglary or attempted burglary in their home.
• The average total value of items stolen was £1,114.94, with the average claim insurance being £835.98
• Confused.com has launched a home security improvements tool, which gives a personalised protection score with tailored advice on how to strengthen weak spots.

Almost 100,000 home burglaries were reported in 2024, with a further 27,000 outbuilding break-ins, new data reveals¹.

However, it seems that many home burglaries remain unresolved. That's according to new data obtained by Confused.com through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to UK police constabularies. The data uncovers where break-ins and theft from someone’s person are most common. And with the winter meaning shorter and darker days, there’s a chance thieves might take advantage of the dark and attempt break-ins more.

Overall, the Metropolitan Police received the highest number of home burglary reports last year, with 32,775 break-ins reported. This is followed by Greater Manchester Police, with almost 10,000 reports over the same time.

Despite the high levels of break-in reports, it seems that the majority aren’t resulting in the crime being solved. Of the 99,658 burglaries reported to police in 2024, just 4,487 (5%) resulted in an actual charge. Whereas, nearly two thirds (59,243) have been left unresolved, often meaning the police can’t bring a charge or sanction against somebody for the offence. This is often because of being unable to identify a suspect or gathering sufficient evidence.

Durham Police saw the highest number of reports resulting in a charge or outcome, at 13% of reports - 204 charges made in total. Police Service Northern Ireland also resolved 13% of break-in cases, at 258.

The police forces with the highest rates of reported burglaries resulting in charges include:

While fears of theft could rise over winter, a time where homes are darker for longer and filled with Christmas gifts, many households across the UK remain underprepared. And it’s not just in the home where opportunist thieves are striking. Theft from the person, such as pickpocketing, has surged in recent years. With 282,582 cases reported in 2024, 106,268 (38%) were left unresolved.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, 1 in 5 (22%) have experienced a burglary or attempted burglary in their home. When asking those who have had house burglaries in the past, 1 in 4 (25%) said it occurred between 12am and 4.59am, when residents are asleep and homes are less well lit. With theft that occurred inside the home, cash or wallets remain the most commonly stolen item (28%). These are followed by jewellery (24%) and bicycles (16%). 

The research also found that the average total value of items stolen was £1,114.94, with the average insurance claim being £835.98. Evidently, burglaries often leave victims out of pocket despite being insured, showing the importance of preventive security measures.

Overall, over half (57%) rely on outdoor lights as their main form of security, while just over a third (35%) have alarm systems installed.

When it comes to making improvements, more than a third (37%) said they hadn’t made any changes to their home security in the past 2 years. Of those who did make changes to improve their home safety, more than 1 in 5 (22%) have upgraded their locks, followed by 19% adding CCTV cameras, and 18% installing outdoor lighting. Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) believe that smart doorbells, such as Ring Doorbells, help deter potential intruders. And overall, 1 in 5 (20%) said they are more worried about burglaries now than they were a few years ago.

In terms of when most are worried about break-ins, nearly 2 in 5 (38%) say they feel more concerned when they are away from home. When going away, 39% take extra precautions such as locking away or hiding valuables to make their homes less appealing to thieves. While over a third (35%) ask neighbours to collect mail, newspapers, or packages so they don’t get stolen. And over 1 in 3 (32%) leave security cameras or alarms active, and 28% set up timers on indoor lights as a tool to deter thieves.

When it comes to investing more into home security, more than 1 in 3 (36%) revealed they would be more inclined to invest in home security if they had cheaper smart-tech options. And another more than 1 in 3 (35%) would be more likely to increase their security if there was a recent break-in nearby. That’s as a third (32%) also noted that having a discount or incentive from an insurer would make them more likely to increase their home security measures.

However, while home security may be lagging, personal vigilance in public appears much higher. More than half (60%) said they keep their bag zipped and close to their body and stay alert in crowds or on public transport. Meanwhile, 57% avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

To help homeowners, the team behind Confused.com home insurance has launched a home security improvements tool. All users have to do is input the type of security they have installed at their home. They will then receive a tailored score assessing their overall level of protection. The tool provides personalised recommendations on how to strengthen weak spots, from suggesting cost-effective smart tech to advising on insurance cover that better matches the home’s current level of security. This way, homeowners can make small, affordable upgrades that can have a big impact.

Confused.com home insurance expert, Matthew Harwood, comments:

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