Three is the magic number for burglars

• Three-bedroom properties account for nearly half of UK burglaries
• End-terrace properties more appealing to burglars than mid-terrace homes
• Ground-floor burglaries account for 65 per cent of all flat burglaries
   

New analysis¹ by Churchill Home Insurance identifies that three-bedroom homes are at greatest risk of being burgled, as they account for almost half (46 per cent) of all break-ins in the UK. The most at-risk properties are three-bed semi-detached, followed by four-bed detached then three-bed terraced houses.

The analysis of claims data reveals end-terraced houses account for more than a quarter (28 per cent) of burglaries on streets with terraced properties, despite being significantly outnumbered by mid-terraced properties. Research ² amongst burglars reveals surveillance opportunities, side and rear access are all easier with end of terrace properties. Burglars questioned said “I’d always pick an end house, wouldn’t pick one in the middle. If it was a terrace it’d always be an end one” and “I would look for …corner houses, ones with back alleys.” Living in a ground-floor flat means you are twice as likely to be burgled than someone on the first floor, with ground-floor burglaries accounting for 65 per cent of all apartment burglaries.  

Property types at most risk of being burgled

Source: Churchill Home Insurance 2017
 

Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance, said: “It is clear the risk of burglary is directly related to the ease of access and location of a property.  Factors, such as living on a ground-floor flat, or at an end-terrace house, do present easier access for burglars and homeowners should be vigilant to this risk and take appropriate steps to protect their homes.  Taking steps such as installing security lights, external CCTV, burglar alarms and anti-climb paint can all help deter criminals”

In total, there were 171,527 recorded incidents of domestic burglary in the UK between April 2016 and March 2017 – a 2,700 (two per cent) increase on the previous year³. The analysis also revealed that an unlucky 2.2 per cent of properties were burgled more than once over the last three years - 95 per cent of this number were burgled twice, 4.4 per cent were burgled three times and 0.7 per cent four times.

Martin Scott continued: “On average, there were 470 recorded burglaries every day across the country in the last financial year. We want to encourage people to be aware of their home’s vulnerabilities and install the relevant security measures to make life as hard as possible for intruders. Homeowners should also always ensure their home and contents are adequately insured to avoid further trauma should the worst happen.”

Churchill’s top tips for protecting your property are:

• The best burglary deterrent is for the home to be occupied, so if you are away ask neighbours to pop around, leave a light on or invest in timed lights. Don’t make it obvious that no one is home
• Think like a burglar and see where the best points of entry to your home are. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and if you have a burglar alarm, use it and keep it clean so it looks like it is used and serviced regularly
• Ensure all locks to the property have a British Standard Kitemark (BSI) as a benchmark of quality
• Don’t leave ladders or tools accessible outside, as a burglar could use them to help gain access to the property
• Try not to leave packaging for new expensive goods outside your home. It is better to take it to a public recycling bin, as it can attract burglars. Do not leave expensive, portable items like tablets or laptops in clear view
• If you keep power tools, golf clubs or garden equipment in an outbuilding or shed, make sure the shed is locked and/or has security features such as an alarm or security light
• Ensure any security features which allow you to track your phone or tablet are turned on as this will help police locate your device should it be stolen. If you are burgled, also call your contract provider immediately and have the line and phone blocked
   

Churchill Home Insurance offers a 24/7 burglary response to its customers which means, day or night, Churchill’s burglary response team is available to make the property secure after it has been broken into⁴. Following a break in, Churchill will send an engineer to replace all damaged locks with a British standard lock and temporarily secure damaged windows and doors.

ENDS
 

Notes to Editor

¹  Churchill Home Insurance analysis of internal burglary claims data for 2014, 2015 and 2016

²  Research “Getting closer to the action: Using the Virtual Enactment Method to understand burglary” – Amy Meenaghan, Claire Nee, Jean-Loius van Gelder, Marco Otte and Zarah Vernham

³ Churchill Home Insurance analysis of recorded domestic burglaries for the financial years covering 2007-08 to 2016-17. Data for the UK combined from individual publications covering England and Wales (Crime Survey for England and Wales year ending March 2017, ONS), Scotland (Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2016-17, Scottish Government) and Northern Ireland (Police Recorded Crime Statistics, Police Service of Northern Ireland).

⁴  Churchill’s 24/7 burglary response ensures that day or night an engineer will be available to temporarily secure damaged windows and doors. Excludes Highlands and Islands. Policy and Cover limits apply. Underwritten by UK Insurance Ltd. 
 

 For further information please contact:

Claire Foster 

Churchill PR Manager

01651 831 672 

07525 665 504

Antonia Green

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Antonia.green@citigatedr.co.uk

0207 2892 2967

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  
 

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com