Is Burglary in the UK “Effectively Decriminalised”? - How to Protect Your Home

Recent reports have claimed that poor solution rates for burglary mean its effectively decriminalised in the UK. Read our latest blog to learn more and importantly, what you can do to avoid becoming a burglary victim.

Recent headlines, including a widely shared report claiming that 92% of burglaries in 2025 were unsolved, have sparked understandable concern. While such figures can vary depending on how they’re calculated (for example, whether cases are closed without a suspect versus formally “unsolved”), the broader point is hard to ignore: burglary detection rates in the UK remain low, and many victims never see justice.

So what’s really happening and more importantly, what can you do about it?

The State of Burglary in the UK

Burglary rates in the UK have declined significantly compared to the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks in part to better security, smarter policing, and changes in criminal behaviour. However, in recent years, progress has slowed and in some areas reversed.

• Police-recorded burglary still affects hundreds of thousands of UK households annually.
• Detection (or “clear-up”) rates are low, often in the single digits in some regions.
• Many cases are closed due to lack of evidence, limited investigative resources, or absence of viable leads.

Are Burglaries Escalating?

The overall picture of burglary crime in the UK is mixed:

• The long-term trend is downward. Between 2023 and 2024 burglary declined by 3%. And from 2024 to 2025 burglaries fell by around 5 - 8%. Importantly, burglary has declined by around 60 - 70% since 2004. Burglary is clearly less common than it was 20 years ago, but still a major concern.
• The short-term trend shows there have been burglary increases in specific regions and some categories such as opportunistic burglaries.
• Cost-of-living pressures and the rise of resale marketplaces are likely to contribute to continued burglary risk.

Around 250,000 burglaries still occur in England and Wales every year with low detection rates and some regional hotspots, such as North London.

Is Burglary “Effectively Decriminalised”?

A strong and disputed claim that burglary is ‘effectively decriminalised’ reflects frustration with crime solving rates.

Burglary is absolutely still a serious criminal offence. However, when:

• Detection rates are very low,
• Police resources are stretched,
• And offenders perceive a low risk of being caught,

…it can feel to the public like there are limited consequences.

This perception alone is enough to change behaviour on both sides. Criminals look for easy wins (opportunistic burglary), and homeowners must adapt accordingly.

What is Opportunistic Burglary?

Opportunistic burglary refers to crimes that are not heavily planned in advance, but instead occur when a criminal spots an easy, low-risk opportunity and acts on it.

Rather than targeting a specific household over time, the offender is typically:

• Passing through an area
• Looking for vulnerabilities
• Acting quickly when something appears accessible.

There is no single official percentage of opportunistic UK burglaries. Multiple studies and police assessments consistently suggest: around 60% to 75% of UK burglaries are opportunistic in nature.

Some estimates go even higher when including:

• Unlocked entry
• Poorly secured properties.

Burglars prefer targets that are low effort, where there is low risk of being seen or caught and where they know they can gain immediate, quick payoff.

If a property:

• Looks occupied
• Has visible security
• Clearly requires effort to enter…

Burglars will often move on to find easier options.

The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Critical

The most important takeaway from the UK burglary crime data and trend is very simple: Burglars overwhelmingly target the easiest properties.

When looking at home security strategies and tactics your primary goal is not about creating an impenetrable fortress, its about making your home a far less attractive burglary target than other properties. 

Essential Home Security Strategies

1. Install a Monitored Alarm System

A professionally installed alarm system (such as those offered by companies like Verisure) is one of the most effective deterrents.

Why it works:

• Visible deterrent (external alarm boxes)
• Immediate alerts and monitoring
• Rapid response if triggered.

Burglars stay away from properties protected by alarm systems and even a basic alarm system will significantly reduce your risk.

2. CCTV Cameras

Modern CCTV systems are more affordable and accessible than ever.

Key Benefits:

• Deters opportunistic criminals
• Provides evidence if a crime occurs
• Enables remote monitoring via smartphone

Installed CCTV cameras should ideally coveer: 

• Property entry points
• Driveways
• Rear gardens (a common entry route).

When using CCTV cameras its important to display warning signs that announce the presence of cameras. These signs also tell would be burglars to go somewhere else.

3. Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are a simple but very powerful home security upgrade.

Key Advantages:

• See and speak to visitors remotely without the need to open the main door.
• Record suspicious activity.
• Create the impression someone is always home.

Like CCTV security cameras, video doorbells are another powerful anti-burglary deterrent. They are particularly useful for those who are most vulnerable, such as elderly people who may be living alone. 

4. Always Lock Everything

Statistics and anecdotal feedback from burglars shows that most gain entry into properties via the doors and windows. A surprising number of burglaries involve doors and windows that have simply been left unlocked.

Key home security habits worth adopting:

• Lock all doors and windows when leaving the property, even briefly
• Never assume “I’ll only be gone a few minutes”
• Use window restrictors if ventilating your home to maintain window security.

5. Strengthen Perimeter Security

Your property boundary is your first line of defence so its worthwhile making this as robust as possible. Remember that burglars are deterred by properties that have very clear security precautions in place.

Anti-Climb Measures

Burglars are know to often exploit design weaknesses especially:

• Balconies
• Flat roofs
• Drainpipes
• Extensions that act as “ladders”.

Some modern homes unintentionally provide easy climbing routes. These need to be recognised and secured.

Solutions include:

• Anti-climb paint (makes surfaces impossible to grip)
• Anti-climb spikes
• Roller barriers (rotate when grabbed)
• Security fencing and locked gates.

Defensive Planting

Nature can be a powerful deterrent. Planting dense, spikey shrubs around a home is another simple way to deter opportunistic burglars.

• Thorny hedges (e.g., hawthorn, pyracantha)
• Dense shrubs under windows.

These make access physically difficult and unattractive to criminals.

It`s also important to never leave anything outside or unsecured that criminals could potentially use, such as ladders or wheelie bins.

6. External Lighting and Surfaces

Burglars like to do what they do unseen and in silence. Some basic precautions can make this very difficult for them.

Motion-Activated Lighting

• Cheap and easy to install
• Startles intruders
• Removes concealment.

Gravel Pathways

• Noisy underfoot
• Alerts occupants to movement
• Difficult to traverse quietly.

These simple home security measures can deter many opportunistic burglars.

7. Secure Garages and Sheds

Burglars don’t just target homes. Outbuildings are also prime targets in the UK. Burglars know that people store a wide range of easily resold valuables in their garages and sheds.

Common high-value items stored in outbuildings include:

• Tools
• Bikes
• Motorcycles and scooters
• Mowers
• Barbecues
• Garden equipment.

Outbuilding Security tips:

• Use robust, high-quality locks on all outbuildings, including the windows.
• Install window locks and obscure glazing so that the contents can’t be seen from outside
• Install window security bars
• Anchor valuable items internally. Attaching bikes, motorbikes, mowers and even locked tool chests to immovable anchor points, inside outbuildings, adds another valuable layer of security.
• Connect sheds, garages and outbuildings to your main alarm system if possible.
• Or install stand alone alarms for each outbuilding.

8. Protect Car Keys (Especially Keyless Entry)

Keyless car theft is a growing problem. Many people aren’t aware that criminals use relay attacks to capture signals from electronic car keys inside your home.

Car Key Protection methods:

• Store keys in a Faraday pouch (blocks signals).
• Keep keys away from doors/windows.
• As a backup: placing keys in a microwave (unplugged) can block signals as the enclosure acts as a Faraday cage. Obviously, removed the keys before using the microwave.

9. Use a Home Safe

A good quality, certified home safe protects your most valuable and sensitive items:

You should store these valuables in your safe: 

• Passports and documents
• Jewellery
• Cash
• Precious metals.

Choose a safe that is:

• Bolted to the structure and therefore immovable.
• Fire-resistant if possible.
• Certified, secure, insurance approved.

10. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Although most burglaries are opportunistic, burglars will generally “case” properties before attempting to gain entry. Creating the illusion of occupancy can put them off.

Create the illusion of occupancy using:

• Timed lighting that comes on and goes off.
• TV or radio on timers.
• Smart home automation.
• Also - ask neighbours to keep an eye out
• Stop mail and deliveries from piling up.

11. Be Careful What You Share

Information is a powerful tool for burglars. They often use social media to identify viable targets from the postings people make, announcing their holiday plans or sharing images of themselves away on their vacation.

Always avoid:

• Posting holiday plans in real time.
• Displaying visible appointment calendars that can be seen through windows.
• Announcing absences publicly on social media.

Better approach:

• Keep schedules and travel plans private
• Share updates and images only after you return.

Make Your Home a Hard Target

Burglars are not usually masterminds they are opportunists.

They look for:

• Easy access
• Low risk
• Quick reward.

If your home:

• Has visible security,
• Is well-lit,
• Requires effort to enter,
• Doesn’t advertise the presence of valuables,

Burglars are far more likely to move on to find easier targets that present lower risk.

Prevention is Your Strongest Defence

Whether or not burglary is “effectively decriminalised” is open to debate but one thing is clear: Relying solely on the police is not enough. Prevention is your strongest defence.

By combining smart habits with layered security measures, you can dramatically reduce your risk and ensure your home is one burglars simply aren’t willing to bother with.

If you have any questions about home security solutions, or other security needs, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 957230 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

For more information on Is Burglary in the UK “Effectively Decriminalised”? - How to Protect Your Home talk to Insight Security