Burglaries expected every 172 seconds across the UK this winter

The Residence Collection (TRC) says that burglaries are expected every 172 seconds across the UK as winter approaches.

ONS data

According to the latest ONS data, a burglary takes place every 172 seconds during the winter months. While the overall number of incidents has fallen dramatically in the last two decades – from over 890,000 in 2002 to around 245,000 last year.

The areas most at risk of burglary across England and Wales are London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire with each of these areas reporting the highest number of incidents in the year ending March 2025.

By contrast, Cumbria, Wiltshire, Dyfed-Powys, Suffolk and North Wales recorded the fewest residential burglaries, averaging fewer than four per day.

What’s more, further research shows that 70% of burglars enter through a door and a further 30% gain access through a window – reinforcing how vital it is to secure these key entry points.

With windows and doors accounting for most break-ins, TRC is offering expert guidance to help homeowners strengthen their defences and stay safe this winter.

“Significantly reduce the risk of your home being the one that’s targeted”

Jo Trotman, Sales & Marketing Director at The Residence Collection, said: ”Police guidance consistently reminds homeowners that most burglaries are crimes of opportunity.

“Studies interviewing convicted burglars confirm this pattern: they actively look for visible signs of valuable items (such as packaging from new purchases left outside), poor exterior lighting or overgrown gardens that provide hiding places, as well as weak or neglected entry points.

“As such, taking a few straightforward precautions – such as locking doors and windows even for short periods, keeping valuables out of sight and storing keys away from doors or letterboxes can significantly reduce the risk of your home being the one that’s targeted,” Trotman concluded.

Maximising home security

TRC states that there are key things individuals can do with windows and doors within their home to maximise home security even further. To ensure maximum security, individuals should:

• Choose windows with internal beading – Many legacy window systems feature external beading that can be prised away to remove the glass, creating a potential security weakness. By contrast, The Residence Collection range is engineered with internal beading only, preventing removal from the outside and significantly increasing resistance to forced entry
• Look for PAS 24 certification – You should ensure that your windows come with the PAS 24 certification, like those in The Residence Collection range. This is a benchmark that assesses how well a product withstands physical attack and forced entry. This certification confirms the windows have been built and tested to the latest security standards, offering homeowners robust protection and lasting peace of mind
• Secure all entry points – Side doors, garages and patio entrances are often overlooked – make sure these are fitted with reliable, multi-point locking systems
• Create the illusion someone’s home – Use timer switches or smart plugs to turn on lights or radios when you’re away – a simple deterrent that makes your home look occupied when they look through any glassware
• Keep valuables out of sight – Avoid leaving keys, handbags, or electronics visible from windows and doors. Burglars often target homes where valuables are clearly on display