Alarming statistics: South Yorkshire ranks third in UK burglary rates - what's being done?

Research by alarm company ADT looked at government and ONS data to determine the rates of all burglary types for different police force areas across the UK.

South Yorkshire Police had the third highest rate of burglary offences, recording 8.10 incidents per 1,000 people from 2021 to 2022 just behind Greater Manchester, which took the top spot with 8.22,  and Cleveland in second (8.13).  

The West Midlands was ranked fourth with a figure of 7.28 offences, while London in fifth with just over six.

The research also looked into what time of year burglaries occur the most in the UK with more than 282,200 in quarter three to quarter four — an increase of more than 5,000 incidents compared with the previous quarter.

The study follows recent ONS figures for recorded crime, reported by the Advertiser earlier this month, which revealed an increase in almost all categories in South Yorkshire.

Among the rising statistics, the ONS found residential burglaries  had increased 16 per cent from January to December last year compared with January to December 2021, although police stressed the 2021 figures were lower due to the effects of the pandemic lockdowns.

Commenting on the ADT research into all burglary types, Supt Peter Thorp — South Yorkshire Police’s force lead for burglary, said: “We are aware of how traumatic it is to be a victim of burglary, especially in your own home.

“People should feel safe and secure in their homes and this type of offending is particularly invasive and distressing.

“As a force, we recognise the need to continue the significant work underway to tackle the rise in burglaries we see at certain times of year, and we remain steadfastly committed to providing an excellent, victim-led service.

“Prevention activity in our neighbourhoods remains the backbone for our long-term delivery of burglary reduction.

“As part of this, our force analysts identify areas with emerging issues and officers then apply an evidence-based policing approach to develop local problem-solving plans which are tailored to those communities.

“The force reviews this crime type in detail on a monthly basis, ensuring responses and investigations are progressed effectively.

“We have been working proactively to increase patrols as well as our use of preventative and enforcement tactics to protect potential victims of this crime type and reassure residents.

“We continue to encourage the public to report any burglary incidents to us, along with any information that may assist us in identifying those who commit these awful crimes.”