Nottingham named UK's burglary hotspot » Housing » 24dash.com

Britain's burglary hotspots were named in a new survey today.

Nottingham was dubbed the riskiest town or city in the country for household theft.

The home of Robin Hood saw house burglary levels which were 63% above the national average, according to an analysis of claims records by Endsleigh Insurance Services.

Second riskiest was London, followed by Bristol, Stockport and Leeds.

Guildford was named the safest British town or city for burglary, with a rate 82% below the national average of Endsleigh policy-holders, followed by Dundee, Norwich, Swindon and Bath.

The survey examined household theft claims over the last four years from tens of thousands of Endsleigh customers in the UK, excluding student policyholders, and then ranked towns and cities by the frequency of claims.

Endsleigh spokeswoman Rhiannon Harris said: "It's welcome news that we are seeing a gradual decrease in household theft right across the UK.

"Indeed, according to British Crime Survey statistics, domestic burglary fell by 59% between 1995 and 2007.

"This must be due at least in part to the many initiatives police, local councils and community groups across the country have set up to combat breaches of household security.

"The fact remains, however, that some towns and cities represent a greater risk than others and as our homes report shows, every householder in the country needs to be aware of the possibility of burglary."

The report also showed the most accident-prone towns and cities, based on the frequency of accidental damage claims on home insurance policies.

Bournemouth was the riskiest for household accident claims, at 55% above the national average.

It was followed by Milton Keynes, Newport, Hove and Plymouth.

The least riskiest place for accidents was Manchester (43% lower than average), followed by Leeds, York and Newcastle.

Endsleigh's Ms Harris said: "It's crucial that, as well as helping the success of neighbourhood safety schemes where they can, people across the country must remain vigilant when it comes to home security.

"Domestic burglary figures may be dropping but there is no room for complacency when it comes to protecting your home."

The Endsleigh figures only cover the top ten riskiest and safest towns and cities.

Top ten riskiest for theft (percentage above national average):

Nottingham 63.3%

London 50.8%

Bristol 50.7%

Stockport 49.8%

Leeds 46.3%

Manchester 46%

Hull 39.4%

Cambridge 35.6%

Sheffield 27.6%

Reading 25.9%

Top ten safest for theft (percentage below national average)

Guildford 82%

Dundee 55.3%

Norwich 54.1%

Swindon 49.4%

Bath 45.8%

Aberdeen 45.7%

Preston 35.7%

Exeter 34.9%

Chester 33.6%

Belfast 33.6%.

Top ten riskiest for accidents (percentage above national average):

Bournemouth 55.2%

Milton Keynes 37.8%

Newport 37%

Hove 30.1%

Plymouth 26.5%

Brighton 19.2%

Derby 16.8%

Northampton 16.7%

Bath 12.9%

Cheltenham 12.2%

Top ten safest for accidents (percentage below national average)

Manchester 43.4%

Leeds 40%

York 34.7%

Newcastle upon Tyne 30.9%

Guildford 28.2%

Liverpool 28.2%

Belfast 28.1%

Swindon 25.6%

Birmingham 24.8%

Reading 20.9%.