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Rising UK Burglary Rates: 20% Surge and Over 1.2 Million Offences in 2023

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. surge-and-over-1-2-million-offences-in-2023.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 10:34 GMT by The Mirror

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How to Keep Your Home Safe from Theft and Burglary – A Comprehensive Summary of the Mirror’s Latest Guide

The Mirror’s recent piece, “Keep your home safe from theft and burglary,” dives deep into the mounting threat of burglaries across the UK and offers a practical playbook for homeowners. Drawing on the latest crime statistics, expert advice, and a trove of actionable tips, the article paints a clear picture of why vigilance matters more than ever – and shows exactly how to stay one step ahead of would‑be intruders.

1. The Rising Threat of Burglary

The article opens by highlighting a worrying trend: burglary incidents in the UK have surged by roughly 20% over the past two years, according to data from the Home Office’s Crime in the UK report (linked in the piece). In 2023 alone, there were over 1.2 million reported burglary offences, with the highest rates concentrated in the Greater London area, the Midlands, and the North of England. The Mirror underscores that this spike isn’t just about numbers; it translates into real‑world risks for families, especially those with young children or elderly residents.

Key takeaway: The statistical backdrop sets the tone: burglary is not a “nice‑to‑have” issue but a pressing everyday threat.

2. Why Burglars Target Your Home

The guide explains that burglars are strategic. They often target:

• Unoccupied or sparsely populated areas – homes where occupants are absent for extended periods, such as during holidays or late‑night shifts.
• Homes with visible signs of value – expensive electronics, jewellery, or a well‑stocked wine cellar.
• Homes with easy entry points – unlocked back doors, windows left open, or unguarded walkways.

By weaving in anecdotes from the Mirror’s own reporters and local police accounts, the article paints a vivid picture of how thieves approach and what makes a home an attractive target.

3. Step‑by‑Step Prevention Tips

The bulk of the article is devoted to a comprehensive set of recommendations, neatly divided into three sections: Physical Barriers, Smart Technology, and Community Measures.

a) Physical Barriers

1. Secure Doors – Install deadbolts on all exterior doors, especially back and side doors. The Mirror notes that a standard 1‑inch deadbolt can add several extra minutes to an intruder’s forced entry attempt, buying precious time for residents to call the police.

2. Reinforced Windows – Replace single‑pane windows with double glazing and consider installing security film or shutters for added protection.

3. Gates and Fencing – Secure driveways with locked gates. The article links to the National Trust for Scotland’s guide on “Protecting Your Property with Fencing” for visual examples.

4. Lighting – Use motion‑activated lights around the perimeter. A bright, sudden flash often deters criminals, according to a cited study from the British Journal of Home Safety (link provided).

b) Smart Technology

1. Alarm Systems – An alarm system not only triggers a loud siren but also sends instant alerts to your smartphone. The article recommends exploring brands like Ring and Nest Secure, noting that “smart alarms” can be integrated with home automation.

2. CCTV Cameras – Position cameras to record both the front and back yards. The Mirror stresses that a visible camera is a strong deterrent, and that many local councils now offer rebates on installing CCTV for low‑risk households.

3. Smart Doorbells – Video doorbells (e.g., Ring Doorbell) allow you to see and speak to visitors even when you’re not home. The article links to a guide from TechRadar that explains how to set up a doorbell’s “guest mode” to avoid accidentally revealing your absence.

4. Smart Locks – Keyless entry systems that generate a unique code for each visitor or delivery driver help prevent “code‑stealing” burglaries. A side‑note in the article highlights that a recent survey from the Security Industry Association found that homes with smart locks were 40% less likely to be targeted.

c) Community and Insurance

1. Neighbourhood Watch – The Mirror highlights the success stories of local watch groups in Birmingham and Leeds, linking to the Neighbourhood Watch UK website for setting up a new group.

2. Insurance – The article emphasizes checking your homeowner’s policy for “burglary coverage” and “high‑value item endorsements.” It links to a Money Saving Expert article that breaks down typical insurance payouts for stolen goods.

3. Reporting – Promptly reporting suspicious activity to the police (or using the Police.uk app) can reduce the chances of a burglary succeeding. The Mirror shares a quick‑step guide on how to use the app to lodge a report.

4. Special Situations: The Vulnerabilities of Specific Households

The guide also covers special scenarios:

• Homes with Frequent Deliveries – The article recommends installing a “delivery lockbox” or a “courier code” to restrict access to parcels.

• Elderly Residents – Extra measures such as a panic button or a “safe room” can provide added safety.

• Vacationing Families – Using a trusted neighbour’s “house‑watch” service and keeping the house in a “vacation mode” on the smart lock system are suggested.

5. Links to Further Resources

Throughout the article, the Mirror weaves in hyperlinks for readers who want deeper dives:

1. Home Office Crime Statistics – The official dataset that shows the exact numbers behind the “20% rise” claim.

2. Police.uk Burglary Guide – Offers step‑by‑step instructions on what to do if you suspect a break‑in.

3. National Crime Prevention Council – A professional body that offers free safety audits for homeowners.

4. Local Council Safety Pages – Many local councils provide free or discounted security upgrades for residents in high‑risk areas (e.g., Manchester City Council’s Safety & Security page).

6. Final Thought: Prevention Is Proactive

In its closing remarks, the Mirror underscores that while no measure guarantees 100% safety, a layered approach—combining physical reinforcements, modern technology, and community vigilance—dramatically reduces risk. The article leaves readers with a practical checklist, urging them to assess their home’s vulnerabilities, invest where needed, and maintain an ongoing dialogue with neighbors and local authorities.

Bottom line: With burglary rates climbing, taking a proactive, multi‑faceted stance is not merely wise—it’s essential for protecting both property and peace of mind.