Security Experts Warn of Soaring House Break-ins in the UK

Security experts are sounding the alarm over a surge in house break-ins in the UK amid the cost of living crisis. The heightened anxiety and desperation stemming from this crisis are identified as significant contributors to the alarming increase in burglaries. Alexandra Security, a security firm, collected data from 43 police forces across the UK to gain insights into the prevailing security challenges.

The anticipated rise in burglaries during the cost of living crisis can be attributed to several factors. The UK, recovering from a global pandemic and facing geopolitical tensions, is grappling with scarce oil supplies and escalating prices. The increasing cost of exported goods has a cascading effect on daily necessities, making them more expensive and inaccessible for those with lower incomes.

As living expenses become more burdensome, people find themselves in dire circumstances, leading to desperation and disillusionment. This desperation often pushes individuals, including those who may have been law-abiding, to turn to criminal activities such as breaking into homes to meet their needs.

Examining the past decade, UK police forces have recorded a staggering 4,661,700 burglaries, with significant variations in rates among different regions. Greater London, with 886,563 reported burglaries, stands out as the area with the highest incidence over the last 10 years. Surprisingly, the City of London recorded the lowest break-in rate, with just 3,074 burglaries during the same period.

Further analysis reveals that January consistently records the highest burglary rate over the past decade, averaging 25,021 reported cases. The post-holiday season, marked by financial strain, often contributes to heightened desperation among individuals. As the cost of essentials like food, rent, and electricity continues to rise, the expectation is that burglaries will increase proportionally, driven by heightened desperation and the need to resort to criminal activities.

To safeguard against house break-ins, Dave Bond from Alexandra Security, with over two decades of expertise in the security industry, shares five valuable tips for upgrading household safety measures.

  1. Install an automatic gate: This indicates that you have several security measures in place, and it is hard to climb over.
  2. Light up your home: Exterior lighting ensures that burglars are visible, which makes it harder for them to break in and get away.
  3. Install burglar bars on windows: This is a low-cost, high-impact security system which prevents thieves from entering through windows.
  4. Invest in new fencing: Weak or damaged fencing can be easily overcome, so it is important to ensure your fencing is replaced if needed.
  5. Automated Curtains and Blinds: If you are often away from your home, opening and closing your curtains remotely or automatically will give the impression that you are home. As robbers generally do reconnaissance before deciding on a house, and it’s riskier breaking into an occupied house, this is a great deterrent.