Newly released data from Confused.com has shown Basildon to be the eighth safest town in Essex, according to a study conducted last year.

The research looked at the number of burglaries reported by police forces throughout the UK between 2017 and 2021.

Basildon saw the biggest drop in average burglary rates of all Essex areas analysed, dropping by a whopping 22.81 per cent each year.

The region had 2.54 total burglaries reported per 1,000 people in 2021, compared to neighbouring Thurrock, which was ranked the ninth safest place to live, with 2.58 per 1,000 people.

With just 1.62 burglaries reported per 1,000 people last year, Uttlesford has been revealed as the safest place to live in Essex. The rate of burglaries in Uttlesford has dropped by 18.30 per cent each year on average since 2017, the third-highest drop in burglary rates of all Essex areas analysed.

Jessica Willock, a Home Insurance expert at Confused.com said: "Although burglary rates seem to be dropping year on year, it's still important to make sure your home is safe. 

"Security cameras and burglary alarms aren't only a great deterrent from potential thieves but having them could reduce your home insurance prices."

The research was conducted by Confused.com between April and May 2022. For more information on home insurance, visit the Confused.com website.