New data from home security system company Arlo and Verisure raises concerns about personal and home safety during the holiday season towards the end of the year.

The statistics reveal that one in 5 individuals has experienced a home burglary, with Birmingham topping the list as the city most prone to such incidents.

Churchill Support Services published research in November 2023, done using open-source West Midlands Police data to identify crime hotspots in Birmingham. They cross-referenced this data with CrimeRate, Birmingham City Council’s ward profiles, and city population, verifying the statistics.

Analysing crimes per 1000 residents across various areas within the city, including violent crime, vehicle crimes, public order offences, thefts, and shoplifting, revealed the most unsafe areas over the past year (2022-23). 

Violent crime, totaling 76,805 incidents, and public order offences, with 15,439 incidents, were identified as the city’s primary concerns over the past year.

The crime statistics in Birmingham identified the 12 neighbourhoods with the highest crime rates. The top area, which was Birmingham City Centre, recorded 349.9 crimes per 1000 people, while the 12th worst, which was Perry Barr, had 173.6 crimes per 1000 people, marking a 50% decrease.

Based on the records, Birmingham City Centre experienced 5815 violent offences, 1785 theft offences, and 1776 shoplifting incidents.

After Birmingham, the list from Arlo and Verisure also had Leeds, Sheffield, Brighton, and Belfast closely followed, depicting alarming rates of burglaries in Northern cities and coastal areas.

Growing concerns

Police-recorded crime in England and Wales rose by 4% in the year ending June 2023, with nearly 3 million theft incidents reported. These recent statistics indicate a growing concern among Brits for their home and community safety, especially during this festive season.

The findings from Arlo and Verisure also indicate that 44% of Britons feel the least secure during winter, specifically women who express heightened unease during the dark, colder months. 

Porch theft remains a prevalent issue, affecting over one in every four people, with clothing, electronics, and gardening tools as the most commonly stolen items. 

Additionally, almost 20% reported food theft from doorsteps, particularly prominent in the West Midlands, impacting one in every two residents. Millennials, at 29%, are more prone to being targeted for food theft by neighbours.

Around a quarter of the nation employs home security not only for property surveillance but also for observing wildlife outdoors

Cameras are widely used—nearly a quarter monitor kids returning from school, while 45% check on their pets daily. Interestingly, men are more inclined to check on pets throughout the day compared to women. Generation Z emerges as the most vigilant age group in pet monitoring.

More than just surveillance

Ensuring heightened vigilance is crucial to prevent these crimes during the holiday. Installing security cameras to monitor your home is basic, but security takes more steps than just surveillance.

While security cameras offer essential surveillance, a comprehensive home security strategy involves a multifaceted approach that extends beyond mere visual monitoring.

For instance, to avoid porch theft, consider scheduling deliveries when you’re at home or opt for secure delivery lockers. Additionally, request a signature on delivery or set up tracking notifications. If possible, ask neighbours to collect packages on your behalf.

However, crimes can go beyond just missing deliveries. Hence, it’s also vital for homeowners to fortify physical entry points, such as doors and windows, with robust locks or smart security systems.

Smart locks, for instance, offer advanced features like remote access control and real-time alerts. Motion sensors, glass break sensors, and door/window sensors can promptly alert you of any unauthorised access or suspicious activity, triggering immediate responses or notifying security authorities.

Often neglected, lighting plays a crucial role in deterring intruders. Well-lit exteriors and strategically placed motion-activated lights can discourage unwanted visitors and increase visibility around your property, reducing hiding spots for potential intruders.

In pursuing a more robust and holistic approach, consider professional services like Marengo that can provide clear, intelligent, and trustworthy security strategies.