Certain areas in Buckinghamshire are more prone to break-ins than others, according to recent burglary data.

A study has analysed home insurance quotes from MoneySuperMarket Home Insurance customers to find the UK postcode areas with the highest and lowest rates of burglary claims between the start of 2021 and the end of 2023.

Burglary remains a significant concern for homeowners across the UK, and Buckinghamshire is no exception.

Based on recent burglary data, certain areas in Buckinghamshire are more prone to break-ins than others.

The figures provided indicate the number of burglary incidents per area, shedding light on neighbourhoods that are at a higher risk.

Here are the top 10 burglary hotspots in the county:

1. Chalfont St. Giles (HP8)
As the area with the highest burglary count in Buckinghamshire, Chalfont St. Giles stands out with 24.88 claims for every 1,000 quotes. This picturesque village in south Buckinghamshire is home to many affluent properties, which may attract opportunistic criminals targeting wealthier households.

2. Amersham postcode area (HP6)
Amersham, along with its surrounding areas like Chesham Bois, Hyde Heath, and Little Chalfont, has seen a notable number with 21.13 claims for every 1,000 quotes. The town’s proximity to major transport links, including the London Underground, could contribute to an increase in transient criminal activity.

3. Beaconsfield (HP9)

Beaconsfield is another prominent area with a high burglary rate with 16.52 claims for every 1,000 quotes.

4. High Wycombe (HP10)

High Wycombe, the largest town in the Wycombe district, reports a substantial number of burglaries, with 15.34 claims for every 1,000 quotes.

5. High Wycombe (HP12)

This area of High Wycombe includes neighbourhoods like Booker and Sands, which have seen an increase in burglary activity.  14.12 reports for every 1,000 quotes.

6. Great Missenden (HP16)

The village of Great Missenden, located in the Chiltern Hills, experiences a high burglary rate compared to other rural areas with 11.76 claims for every 1,000 quotes. 

7. Little Chalfont (HP7)

Amersham’s neighborhoods, including Coleshill, Little Chalfont, and Winchmore Hill, also rank high in burglary statistics with 11.48.

8. Chesham (HP5)

Chesham, known for its charming town centre and surrounding countryside, has seen a significant number of break-ins with 10.73.

9. High Wycombe (HP14)

High Wycombe again appears high on the list with its areas such as Beacon’s Bottom, Bledlow Ridge, and West Wycombe being particularly vulnerable with 9.61 claims for every 1,000.

10. Downley (HP13)

This part of Wycombe has seen 8.89 claims per 1,000 quotes. 

Alicia Hempsted, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “While it can be startling to see it laid out like this, it’s important to remember that taking simple steps to secure your home can help reduce the likelihood of being burgled.

“Our research also shows that burglary claims are trending downwards with the number of claims per 1,000 quotes falling by around 12 per cent in the last year. 

“However, it’s unlikely that people will see this reflected in how much they pay for their home insurance with the average cost of a buildings and contents policy increasing by 18% for the same period, according to our home insurance index.

“If you’re looking to save money on your home insurance, compare policies and prices to find the best deals.

"Installing a burglar alarm or upgrading old windows and doors can help bring your quote down in price while also making your home more secure.” 

Several measures can reduce the risk of burglary including having security systems, secure entry points, install motion-sensing lights, avoid displaying high value items near windows and leaving lights on timers.