London neighbourhood has most break-ins in the country, study finds

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter

Westminster is one of the worst-hit places for home break-ins in the UK, a study has found.

Analysis of UK crime and safety statistics found nearly half of the top 10 burglary hotspots were in London, with Westminster topping that list with a bumper 2,385 burglaries recorded from January 2022 until March 2023.

Westminster was 87 per cent “more dangerous” than the whole of London, which recorded a total of just over 51,000 burglaries, the study by insurer InsureMy said, although the council dispute the numbers.

According to the research, out of all months, December 2022 was Westminster’s bleakest with 231 break-ins being reported.

The borough’s worst crime rate sat at 17.55 per 1000 people, which was back in 2019. It is now 10.85, the study said.

Southwark followed Westminster with a crime rate of 7.85, followed closely by Hackney and Camden at 7.63 and 7.30 respectively, figures showed.

Researchers analysed break-ins per 1,000 people over the 15-month period in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to establish which places were the most and least burgled.

The study showed that the London borough of Kingston upon Thames was the safest place in the capital with a burglary rate of only 3.72.

A spokesperson for InsureMy said: “Homeowners in the top ten cities for burglary may be concerned about the statistics, as they fear being vulnerable to burglaries in these hotspots.

“It is essential to take necessary steps such as improving security systems, installing CCTV cameras, and insuring properties to prevent burglaries and minimise losses in case of an unfortunate event.

“Thanks to technological advancements, affordable and easy-to-install smart home devices, such as doorbells and automated lights, are also now available. These devices can alert you of any visitors at your doorstep without requiring you to physically approach the door, adding an extra layer of protection for your home.”

Westminster council was approached for comment and disputed the report. It said Met Police Crime figures over the last 12 months show domestic burglary falling by 7.5 per cent.

They also said the borough’s density of commercial premises and its high daytime population can make crime rates based on the residential population seem artificially inflated.

The Metropolitan Police declined to comment.

Picture: (Superikonoskop/Wikimedia Commons)