“It feels a bit lawless at the moment,” shares Jenny*, a resident of an east London terrace who lives with her partner and two children. Her community has recently seen an increase in burglary incidents. “Our neighbors were targeted during the day, and despite having images of the culprits and known addresses, there have been no consequences for the burglars,” she notes.

According to the Office for National Statistics, only 4.3% of residential burglary cases in England and Wales in 2023-24 resulted in a charge or summons, which is a slight rise from 3.9% the previous year. Nearly 73.3% of incidents were closed without identifying a suspect.

Burglary rates have reached historic lows in the recent past, with 238,893 burglary-related incidents reported by police in England and Wales last year, marking a 4.8% decrease from 2023. This translates to an overall crime rate of 4.14 burglaries per 1,000 people, averaging about 650 burglaries daily.

Even with these declining figures, Joseph McGee, a former firearms police officer and current CEO of Securitatem, reports a surge in requests for home security solutions. These requests now include advanced measures like reinforced doors, panic rooms, AI-driven CCTV (which utilizes facial and gait recognition), smash-proof glass, and biometric safes. “The uncertainty in the world propels individuals to prioritize their home’s security,” he explains.

Homeowners can adopt various strategies to enhance security and stay safe from the unfortunate statistic of 650 burglaries each day. These strategies typically fall into two categories: physical security (preventing illegal entry) and electronic security (alerting when unauthorized access occurs).

“Layering security measures and addressing from the outside into the home is key,” advises Jeff Hill, a former assistant chief constable and co-founder of Harrier Global, a security service provider for affluent individuals. He asks homeowners to consider, “Does your home convey that you prioritize security? Are there fences, gates, and visible CCTV?”

Hill notes that high-net-worth individuals still face burglary threats, stating, “Criminals can now easily travel across borders to commit crimes in the UK.” For instance, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak fell victim to a series of high-value break-ins by a gang from Italy, who made off with luxury items such as sports cars, jewelry, and cash.

He further explains that high-net-worth individuals are less likely to be targeted by opportunistic robbers. Criminals often seek cash, jewelry—including watches—and handbags during burglaries, typically when occupants are away, predominantly during daytime hours.

In winter, it’s easier to determine whether people are at home, while summer introduces new risks, such as prolonged holidays and open windows, making burglary tools accessible.

For reassurance, Sebastian Allen, a director at Banham security, recommends a “security trifecta” that consists of robust locks for front and back doors, an alarm system with intrusion detectors, and secure property measures such as safes.

“Even if an intruder bypasses physical security, a high-quality safe can significantly limit the time they have to steal valuables, preventing them from successfully breaking through that additional layer of protection,” Allen explains.

Banham is known for its patented British-made locks, which may come at a higher price. For example, a recommended setup for a standard wooden front door involves an L2000 night latch priced at around £345 and an M2002 deadlock for about £324. While placing the lock centrally may seem practical, it can also be more vulnerable to break-ins. Both locks can be operated with the same key, and Banham’s unique key registration makes copies hard to replicate and only available through designated individuals in case of loss.

Allen suggests, “The minimum level of security people install is better than it used to be. When relocating, the first step should be changing the locks; you can’t be sure who has previously held the keys. It’s often possible to just change the barrel or cylinder instead of the entire lock.”

High-security doors that look like regular doors and video doorbells are becoming more prevalent. Although Allen mentions that these are supplementary security measures rather than replacements for effective security systems. He advises integrating a CCTV system with your alarm setup “to enhance protection and peace of mind.”

One straightforward method for homeowners to increase visibility for their front doors is proper landscaping. “Even though people like to feel secluded at home, trimming hedges can boost front door security by making it visible to neighbors and passersby,” Allen suggests.

Additional deterrents might include timers for TVs and radios, and outdoor lights activated via timers or smartphone apps. Planting thorny evergreen shrubs, like holly or Berberis darwinii, can act as natural barriers: “Criminals avoid cutting themselves, as that could lead to leaving behind DNA evidence,” Hill states.

Being cautious on social media is also vital: refrain from posting holiday photos or showcasing expensive belongings online.

Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at Which?, adds, “While burglary rates have dropped in the past decade, the trauma and costs associated with victimization remain significant, prompting many to invest in modern security measures. Smart home systems, outdoor cameras, and smart doorbells offer convenient monitoring through mobile devices, aiding interaction with visitors and ensuring surveillance over properties, whether homeowners are present or not.”

Security products recognized as “best buy” by Which? include the Eufy SoloCam S340, described as “an excellent solar security camera,” and the SimpliSafe Starter Kit with Bell Box, noted for its responsiveness and reliability as one of the loudest tested burglar alarms. Hitchins refers to the Video Doorbell Plus as “Ring’s mid-range standout,” highlighting its ease of installation and impressive HD-resolution camera coverage.

However, Stefan Pitman, a chartered surveyor and founder of Spase Design, cautions about the inherent risks of internet-connected devices. Nevertheless, he assures that any qualified installer will help homeowners implement crucial security measures, including multi-factor authentication, secure Wi-Fi networks, and advanced routers.

* Name has been altered

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