The cities where properties are least at risk of being burgled - how to protect your home
The safest cities in England and Wales have been shared
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Falling victim to burglars is the worst nightmare of many and some parts of the country are more at risk than others.
Data showed the safest parts of the UK where burglaries are less likely.
Many burglars are opportunists but January is one of the peak times for them to take action thanks to dark nights, according to Crime Statistics.
Research by Molo found the cities where properties are least at risk of being targeted in England and Wales.
Burglaries are more common in the winter months
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Cities least likely to be burgled
Norwich - 242 burglaries per 100,000 people
Swansea - 340 burglaries per 100,000 people
Newport - 381 burglaries per 100,000 people
Southend-on-Sea - 433 burglaries per 100,000 people
Luton - 440 burglaries per 100,000 people
Milton Keynes - 460 burglaries per 100,000 people
Blackpool - 465 burglaries per 100,000 people
Derby - 624 burglaries per 100,000 people
Sunderland - 740 burglaries per 100,000 people
Stoke-on-Trent - 780 burglaries per 100,000 people
Experts have shared some tips to help Britons reduce the chances of becoming the targets of burglars.
Managing director of security retailer Safe.co.uk Anthony Neary shared that Britons should try not to flaunt if they are away on social media.
He said: "Don’t advertise that your house is unoccupied.
"Wait until you have returned home to post pictures with your loved ones, or a burglar will have ample time to plan their theft. This includes geotagging stories, as a thief can work out how far away you are from home.”
It may sound simple, but it is also worth double checking all doors and windows are locked whenever leaving home.
Anthony added: "Ensure that all windows and exterior doors are shut and locked at night or when you are away. Fitting mortice locks to doors and gates can also improve security as they are more difficult to tamper with.
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Experts shared advice on how to protect your home
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"If your door has a letterbox, be mindful of where you keep your keys, as cunning thieves have methods to take keys from the inside of the door, granting them full access to your home.”
Removing items that could help burglars to access your home can also help to protect it.
“Burglars can use wheelie bins to scale fences or walls, allowing them access to your back garden, which can not only lead them to gain access to your back door but allow them to steal property from sheds and garden boxes which people may not think to secure," the expert added.
"Thieves can also use your tools to help them break into your house."We suggest keeping your bins behind a locked gate and using weatherproof padlocks to secure outdoor storage.”
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