Burglary in the UK: Information, Prevention, and Reporting

Burglary is a serious offence in the UK, involving the unlawful entry of a property with the intent to commit theft, inflict grievous bodily harm, or do unlawful damage. It can have a significant impact on victims, both financially and emotionally.

 

Understanding Burglary in the UK:

• Under UK law, burglary generally involves entering a building as a trespasser with the intention of committing one of the following offences:

  • Theft: Stealing anything in the building.

  • Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): Causing serious injury to someone inside.

  • Unlawful Damage: Damaging the building or anything inside it.

• Types of Burglary:

  • Residential Burglary: Entering a dwelling (house, flat, etc.) as a trespasser with the intent to commit one of the above offences. This is often considered more serious due to the personal impact on victims.

  • Non-Residential Burglary: Entering a building other than a dwelling (e.g., shop, office, warehouse) as a trespasser with the same intentions.

• Trends and Statistics: Burglary rates can fluctuate, and it's advisable to consult the latest crime statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the most up-to-date information on trends in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own reporting agencies. Generally, urban areas tend to experience higher rates of burglary.

• Methods of Entry: Burglars employ various methods, including:

  • Forced Entry: Breaking locks, forcing doors or windows, smashing glass.

  • Unsecured Entry: Entering through unlocked doors or windows.

  • "Fishing": Using tools to hook keys or valuables through letterboxes or pet flaps.

  • Opportunistic Entry: Exploiting vulnerabilities like open garages or sheds.

  • Key Burglary: Stealing keys to gain entry.

 

How to Prevent Burglary:

Implementing a combination of security measures is the most effective way to deter burglars.

Home Security:

• Secure Doors:

  • Fit strong, solid core doors with robust frames.

  • Install high-quality locks that meet British Standards (e.g., BS3621 for mortice deadlocks and cylinder locks).

  • Use a door chain or door viewer before opening the door to strangers.

  • Consider installing a letterbox cage to prevent "fishing."

  • Ensure patio doors and French doors have effective locking mechanisms and consider additional security like patio door locks or security bars.

• Secure Windows:

  • Fit good quality window locks on all accessible windows, even those on upper floors.

  • Consider laminated or toughened glass for vulnerable windows.

  • Keep windows closed and locked when you are out or asleep, even for short periods.

• Lighting:

  • Install motion-sensor security lights to illuminate potential entry points.

  • Use timer switches for indoor lights when you are away to create the impression that someone is home.

• Alarms:

  • Install a visible burglar alarm system and ensure it is regularly maintained. Consider a system monitored by a security company.

  • Display alarm warning stickers prominently.

• CCTV:

  • Consider installing a CCTV system to deter burglars and provide evidence if a crime occurs. Ensure cameras cover vulnerable areas.

• Secure Outbuildings:

  • Lock sheds and garages securely, as they often contain valuable tools and equipment that can be used to break into your home.

  • Secure garden gates and fences.

• Keep Valuables Secure:

  • Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight.

  • Store high-value items in a safe or secure location.

  • Photograph and document valuable items for insurance purposes.

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings:

  • Report any suspicious activity to the police.

  • Inform a trusted neighbour if you are going to be away for an extended period and ask them to keep an eye on your property.

  • Cancel milk or newspaper deliveries if you are going away.

• Online Presence:

  • Be cautious about sharing on social media that you are away from home.

• Keys:

  • Never leave spare keys outside your property (e.g., under a doormat or in a plant pot).

  • Keep car keys away from doors and windows to prevent "fishing."

 

Business Security (in addition to some of the above):

• Roller Shutters and Grilles: Install physical barriers for windows and doors.

• Commercial Alarm Systems: Utilise more sophisticated alarm systems with direct links to security monitoring services.

• Access Control Systems: Implement key card entry or biometric systems to control who can enter the premises.

• Security Guards: Employ security personnel, especially for high-risk businesses.

• Internal Security Procedures: Establish clear protocols for locking up and securing the premises at the end of the day.

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Where to Report Burglary:

If your property has been burgled, it is crucial to report it to the police immediately.

• Emergency: If the burglary is in progress, or if you believe the burglar is still on the premises, or if there is a threat to life or property, call 999 immediately.

• Non-Emergency: If the burglary has already occurred and the burglar has left, you should report it as soon as possible via one of the following methods:

  • Online: Most police forces have an online crime reporting form on their website. You can usually find this by searching for Your Local Police Force, report a crime online.

  • By Phone: Call the non-emergency number 101.

  • In Person: Visit your local police station.

 

When reporting a burglary, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name, address, and contact details.

• The date and time the burglary occurred (or when you discovered it).

• The location of the property that was burgled.

• How entry was gained (if known).

• A description of any damage caused.

• A list of any items that have been stolen (be as detailed as possible, including makes, models, serial numbers, and any unique features).

• If you saw anyone suspicious before or after the incident, provide a description.

• The crime reference number you receive from the police – keep this safe for insurance purposes and any follow-up.

 

After reporting a burglary:

• Do not touch anything that the burglar may have handled, as this could contaminate potential forensic evidence.

• Secure your property as best you can to prevent further incidents.

• Contact your insurance company to make a claim. They will likely require the police crime reference number.

• Consider increasing your security measures to prevent future burglaries.

• Seek support if you are feeling distressed or upset by the incident. Victim Support can provide emotional and practical assistance.

 

Reporting every burglary, no matter how small it may seem, helps the police understand the extent of the problem in your area and can aid in investigations and crime prevention efforts.