All homeowners are advised to take home security measures in order to reduce the risk of their properties being targeted by thieves.

As well as protecting residences and their contents, this could also reduce the likelihood of individuals suffering personal harm.However, research from moneysupermarket.com has shown that particular areas of the UK are subject to higher crime rates than others, meaning measures such as burglar alarms may be even more important within them.

The price comparison site analysed more than 1.1 million home insurance enquiries made through it last year and found London had ten of the top 20 postcode districts most likely to have a claim made for theft.

Close behind the capital in terms of such home security breaches were Manchester, Leeds and Bristol, each of which had two postcode districts in the list.

Consumers residing within these places may be wise to ensure they have burglar alarms in place.

As well measures such as having a dog and making sure windows and doors are difficult to breach, this can deter opportunistic criminals from trying to break in.

Responding to the findings, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com Julie Owens said being the victim of burglary is a frightening and emotional experience.

“Major cities, like London and Manchester and affluent areas are a target for criminals and the research highlights a broad mix of areas across the north and south of the UK so it is clear that no matter where you live, there is always a risk your home could become a victim of theft,” she noted.

As well as implementing security measures, consumers should make sure they have home insurance in place, the expert went on to say.

This can help ease the financial burden of such criminal activities and can therefore reduce the suffering of victims.