If you’ve been putting off upgrading your security, 2025 is the year to do it. We’ve installed alarms and CCTV in Sheffield homes for 18 years, and we’re seeing two things at once: criminals becoming more opportunistic—and technology becoming far smarter at stopping them.
The numbers (and what they mean for you).
Police recorded burglary fell 3% in the year to March 2024 (to 266,489 offences) and is 70% lower than in 2003. That’s good news—but it still means hundreds of thousands of families faced the trauma, cost and disruption of a break-in. Source: ONS
And that impact isn’t just emotional. The Home Office estimates a typical domestic burglary costs society £5,930 once you add up lost property, damage, time off work, victim services and the justice response. Preventing just one incident easily pays for good security. Source: Home Office, “The Economic and Social Costs of Crime”
Does CCTV actually reduce crime?
Yes—when it’s planned properly. A 40-year meta-analysis found CCTV is associated with a significant (modest) drop in crime, with especially strong results when cameras are actively monitored and used alongside other measures (like alarms and lighting). Source: Campbell Systematic Reviews
What insurers think.
Some insurers may reduce premiums for professionally installed, accredited systems, but there’s no guarantee—it varies by provider and policy. Always tell your insurer if you have a system and use it. Source: ABI
What a modern setup looks like in 2025:
Bottom line:
Even with long-term falls in burglary, today’s smart alarms and CCTV give you rapid alerts, clear evidence, and real peace of mind—and they can be tailored to your home, budget and lifestyle.
