Parts of Hounslow have been named among the UK's top 10 burglary hotspots.

The TW5 postcode - covering parts of Cranford , Heston and Osterley - has the country's sixth highest rate of burglary claims per insurance quote, according to figures published by MoneySuperMarket.

There were 49.2 claims for burglary in the area per 1,000 quotes on the shopping comparison website, MoneySuperMarket's annual Burglary Claims Tracker shows.

North Kensington (W10 postcode) was 12th on the list, with 44.9 claims per 1,000 quotes, and London postcodes accounted for 16 of the top 20 places.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: "Burglars have two thoughts uppermost in their minds: where am I most likely to find something worth stealing and where am I least likely to get caught?

"Our findings suggest thieves favour busy urban areas where strangers are unlikely to be spotted and it's easy to make a quick getaway. But leafy suburbs are also heavily targeted, with burglars following the money to affluent areas.

"The best way to avoid the emotional turmoil and financial distress associated with a burglary is to be vigilant, make a concerted effort to secure your home and put in place the safety net of appropriate contents insurance in case the worst should happen."

Increased crime rates

The figures, published on Friday, January 22, were calculated by analysing two million home insurance quotes run on the website over the last two years and looking at the number of claims made over a five year period for theft of contents.

South Tulse Hill & Dulwich (SE21 postcode) had the highest rate of burglary claims, with 61.2 per 1,000 quotes.

Burglary rates have increased significantly in Heston West and Heston Central over the last year, according to Metropolitan Police figures.

There were 9.1 such offences per 1,000 population in Heston West in the year ending December 2015, and 8.5 in Heston Central, compared with 6.7 and 5.9 respectively in the previous 12 months.

However, burglary rates fell slightly during the same period in the wards of Heston East, Cranford and Osterley & Spring Grove.

You can use MoneySuperMarket's Burglary Claims Tracker to check burglary rates where you live by clicking here .

MoneySuperMarket's top five tips for protecting your home

1. Always keep doors and windows locked when your home is unoccupied, and when you’re asleep at night

2. Install timers on your lights so they come on at night when you’re not home

3. Ensure items of value are kept away from easy view through windows and don’t leave house or car keys where they can be reached through a letterbox

4. Install and use a suitable alarm system and join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

5. Ensure your home contents insurance is fully up to date and provides enough cover for all your belongings