LONDON remains the UK's burglary hotspot with 16 of the top 20 areas reporting such crimes during 2016 according to an annual survey by MoneySuperMarket. 

The company analysed 1.8 million home insurance quotes on its website between January 2015 and December 2016 to identify areas with the highest and lowest numbers of burglaries. 

Residents in the London Borough of Redbridge are living in the area most afflicted by burglary, according to the newly collated data. 

However, homeowners across the country can check a simple online tool which will show the risk of burglary in their local area. 

For example houses the DT4 postcode have a 0.203 per cent chance of being burgled.

Out of the 2,195 UK postcode areas, it is the 2,037th most likely to put in a home insurance claim for burglary

Last year's top burglary location, Dulwich, has plummeted to number nine on the list having saw its burglary rate fall by 29 per cent.  

According to the data, house breakers are more active during the winter months when high-valued Christmas presents are often in the house. 

However, MoneySuperMarket claims Britons are seeking to insure more valuables than ever as they buy the latest gadgets. 

The data suggests that the average home has £4,192 of high value items worth in excess of £1,500 on their policies.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: "Burglars are interested in two things: where should I go to find stuff worth stealing and where am I least likely to get caught?

"Our findings suggest busy urban areas are the biggest targets for theft, but those who call leafy suburbia home should also be aware of the risks associated with the higher anticipated value of their belongings."