This is where Sussex and Surrey rank among the areas safest from Christmas burglaries, according to new analysis

The ranking, created by insurance experts Howden Insurance, analysed police force data to determine which areas of England and Wales are the most vulnerable to break-ins during the festive period.

Using data from the past three years, the study identified which police forces recorded the highest number of burglaries throughout November and December, per 100,000 residents.

Sussex was found to have the third-lowest number of break-ins throughout this period, at an average of 43 burglaries per 100,000 people.

Sussex Police recorded 2,225 burglaries in total throughout November and December, but also experienced a 10.56% increase in burglaries between 2020 and 2022.

Meanwhile, Surrey ranked tenth most secure from break-ins over the festive period, with an average of 54 burglaries per 100,000 residents throughout November and December.

Surrey Police recorded 1,962 in total throughout this period, but saw a 16.56% increase in burglaries between 2020 and 2022.

Norfolk was found to have the lowest number of break-ins during this period, with only 37 burglaries per 100,000 residents on average. Norfolk Police, who cover Norwich, King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Thetford, recorded 1,043 burglaries in total throughout November and December over the last three years.

However, Norfolk was also found to have experienced a 18.83% increase in reported burglaries between 2020 and 2022.

Ranking as the second safest area over Christmas is Dyfed-Powys, at an average of 41 burglaries per 100,000 people. Dyfed-Powys Police, who cover Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys recorded 645 burglaries throughout November and December over the past three years. Dyfed-Powys Police have also seen a 3.26% increase in recorded burglaries between 2020 and 2022.

Wiltshire was named the third least at risk with an average of 42 burglaries per 100,000 people. The police force recorded a total of 954 burglaries between November and December, over the past three years.

At the other end of the scale, the homeowners were found to be most at risk in South Yorkshire, with a staggering average of 148 burglaries per 100,000 residents.

As well as considering the areas most at risk of burglaries, the study looked at which have experienced the largest percentage increase between 2020 and 2022.