April 26, 2025 Locks Direct

What Are The UK’s Most and Least Burgled Towns? 2025 Update

Burglaries are a harsh reality for many UK homeowners, and as a security expert with over 15 years in the industry, I’ve seen how the right locks and home security measures can turn the tide. In 2022, we at Locks Direct dug into the data to uncover the UK’s burglary hotspots and safe havens. With 2025 upon us, it’s time to refresh that picture—because crime trends shift, and so should your protection strategies. Let’s break down the latest on the UK’s most and least burgled towns, backed by fresh stats, and arm you with practical tips to keep your home secure.

The UK Burglary Landscape in 2025: What’s Changed?

Crime stats aren’t static, and 2025’s numbers tell a story of evolving risks. Based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data and police reports up to early 2025, burglaries remain a persistent headache—nearly 1 in 100 homes still gets hit annually. But where are the danger zones now? And which spots have dodged the trend? I’ve sifted through the figures to see if our 2022 rankings still hold—or if it’s time for a rethink.

Most Burgled Towns in the UK: 2025 Hotspots

Leeds topped our list in 2022, and guess what? It’s still the burglary capital in 2025. With 1 in 63 homes affected, this Yorkshire powerhouse hasn’t shaken its unwanted crown. Summer 2024 saw a spike—1,743 break-ins from May to July alone—showing burglars don’t take holidays. Here’s the updated top five, based on incidents per 1,000 households:

Leeds: 15.9 break-ins per 1,000 households – urban density and busy streets keep it vulnerable.
Liverpool: 10.8 per 1,000 – Merseyside Police data shows city-centre flats are prime targets.
Birmingham: 9.5 per 1,000 – a rise from 2022, with smash-and-grabs hitting suburbs hard.
Manchester: 8.7 per 1,000 – high-value homes in outlying areas are drawing thieves.
London (Tower Hamlets): 8.2 per 1,000 – inner-city boroughs still lead the capital’s burglary stats.

The persistence of Leeds at the top of this unenviable list is hardly surprising. Its bustling urban environment, consisting of student accommodations, affluent suburbs, and densely packed city-centre flats, provides fertile ground for opportunistic thieves. The summer spike, in particular, highlights a trend where warmer months—when homes are often left unattended during holidays—become peak season for burglaries. Police reports indicate that many incidents involve unsecured windows and doors, underscoring the need for robust physical security measures.

Liverpool’s high ranking reflects similar urban challenges, with city-centre flats proving especially vulnerable. Merseyside Police have noted an increase in break-ins targeting multi-occupancy buildings, where the communal entrances. Thieves often exploit lax security in shared spaces, making it critical for residents to fortify their flats and the building entrances. High-security padlocks, such as those from Locks Direct’s Stainless Stronghold range, are an effective solution for securing external gates or storage areas in such properties.

Birmingham’s rise up the list is a cause for concern, particularly in its suburban areas. The shift from city-centre targets to quieter residential zones suggests burglars are adapting, possibly drawn by the perception of easier pickings in areas where security might be less stringent. Smash-and-grab tactics, where thieves quickly break windows or doors to snatch visible valuables. This trend emphasises the importance of locking doors and ensuring windows are secured with high-quality locks like Mul-T-Lock padlocks for added protection.

Manchester’s inclusion reflects a growing issue in its wealthier outskirts, where high-value homes are increasingly targeted. Thieves are drawn to properties with visible signs of affluence, such as luxury cars or expensive garden equipment left unsecured. Here, Locks Direct’s range of container padlocks can be invaluable, offering master-keyed solutions for securing sheds, garages, and storage units, ensuring all valuable items are kept out of sight and reach.

Finally, Tower Hamlets exemplifies London’s ongoing burglary challenges, with its inner-city density and transient population creating opportunities for crime. The borough’s mix of high-rise flats and terraced housing presents unique security challenges, from ground-floor vulnerabilities to upper-level balcony access. Residents here would benefit from Locks Direct’s combination padlocks, such as those from trusted brands like Squire and ABUS, which provide flexible, keyless security options for communal areas or personal storage.

Across these hotspots, a common theme emerges: prevention is key. Simple steps, like ensuring all entry points are locked and investing in high-security padlocks from Locks Direct, can make a significant difference. As burglars evolve tactics, so must our defences—whether through physical locks, alarms, or community vigilance. For those in these high-risk areas, now is the time to act, and Locks Direct stands ready to help with a comprehensive range of security solutions tailored to every need.

Most Burgled Towns in the UK

Burglary remains a persistent concern across the UK, and in 2025, certain towns continue to bear the brunt. Urban sprawl, high population density, and economic disparity often create fertile ground for break-ins. Locks Direct, your trusted supplier of high-security solutions, has sifted through the latest data to pinpoint the hotspots where burglars are most active. Here’s the rundown of the UK’s most burgled towns in 2025:

London (Camden): 12.3 per 1,000 – Camden’s bustling streets and dense housing make it a perennial target. Thieves exploit the mix of affluent homes and transient footfall.
Manchester: 10.8 per 1,000 – High deprivation in some areas and busy city life, keeps Manchester near the top of the list.
Birmingham: 9.6 per 1,000 – The West Midlands hub sees frequent incidents, particularly in suburban estates with older properties.
Leeds: 8.9 per 1,000 – Yorkshire’s urban giant struggles with break-ins, especially in student-heavy districts.
Portsmouth: 8.2 per 1,000 – Coastal proximity doesn’t deter burglars here; poorly secured homes are often to blame.

These figures reflect a stark reality: city living comes with risks. Yet, there’s hope. At Locks Direct, we’ve seen a surge in demand for our Stainless Stronghold Padlocks and Mul-T-Lock Padlocks from these areas—proof that residents are fighting back. Urban homeowners can bolster defences with our high-security range, designed to withstand even determined intruders. For those with storage units or garages, our Container Padlocks offer robust protection, ensuring peace of mind in these high-risk zones.

Least Burgled Towns in the UK: 2025 Safe Havens

On the flip side, some towns are keeping burglars at bay. Sheffield’s quieter pockets shone in 2022, and holding strong in 2025. Rural areas and tight-knit communities often fare better—fewer targets, more nosy neighbours. These safe havens prove that location, community spirit, and vigilance can make all the difference. Here’s the updated rundown for 2025:

Harrogate: 1.2 per 1,000 – North Yorkshire’s low crime rate persists, thanks to its genteel reputation and proactive policing. Locals here swear by community watch groups and sturdy locks.
Winchester: 1.4 per 1,000 – Affluent yet low-key, Winchester benefits from solid community schemes and a preference for high-quality security. Our Combination Padlocks from Squire and ABUS are popular here.
Shrewsbury: 1.6 per 1,000 – Shropshire’s rural charm keeps break-ins rare. The slower pace of life and fewer urban temptations deter opportunists.

These towns highlight a clear trend: smaller populations and engaged locals can slash burglary rates. Harrogate’s success, for instance, owes much to its tight-knit feel—neighbours who know each other’s routines are a burglar’s nightmare. Winchester’s affluence doesn’t attract thieves as it might elsewhere, largely because residents prioritise discreet but formidable security. Shrewsbury and Dorchester thrive on their rural isolation, where unfamiliar faces stand out, while Chester’s blend of heritage and modernity fosters a protective community mindset.

That said, complacency is the enemy. Even in these safe havens, a single unlocked shed or flimsy gate can invite trouble. At Locks Direct, we recommend pairing community vigilance with top-tier products. Our Container Padlocks Master Keyed range, for example, is ideal for rural homeowners managing multiple outbuildings with one key. Our Stainless Stronghold Padlocks offer weatherproof durability—perfect for Britain’s unpredictable climate. Order by 2:00 pm for next-day delivery (free over £150), and explore our 30-day returns policy for no-fuss peace of mind.

Why Locks Matter More Than Ever

Burglary stats aren’t just numbers—they’re a wake-up call. Outdated or flimsy locks are an open invitation. In 2025, ensure your home is secured with high-security locks like those found at Locks Direct.

Boost Your Home Security: Actionable Steps

Numbers are one thing; protection is another. Here’s how to lock down your home, wherever you are on the burglary map:

Upgrade Your Door Locks
Secure Your Windows
Layer Your Defences: Pair your locks with chains.
A video doorbell can scare off opportunists.

Act Now: Lock Down Your Home Today

Whether you’re in Leeds dodging the burglary boom or Harrogate enjoying the calm, one break-in’s too many. Don’t wait for a close call to rethink your home security. Dive into Locks Direct’s range of locks and pick the gear that fits your risk level—our high-security solutions are built for 2025’s threats. Order today, fit tomorrow, and sleep better knowing your home’s a fortress. Need advice? Our team’s a call away on 0800 542 1264.