Somerset has been revealed as the safest place to live in the Avon and Somerset Police area when it comes to burglaries.

A study by Confused.com shows the Somerset County Council district saw just 1.64 burglaries reported per 1,000 people last year.

The research analysed burglary data provided by police forces across the UK between 2017 and 2021 to identify the safest cities to live across the UK.

The rate of burglaries in Somerset has dropped by 15.05% each year on average since 2017, the highest of all areas analysed.

North Somerset placed second, with just 2.14 burglaries reported per 1,000 people last year.

And on average, North Somerset saw 10% fewer burglaries last year compared to Bath and North East Somerset (2.38 per 1,000 people).

South Gloucestershire places third with an average of 2.19 thefts per 1,000 people last year and the rate of burglaries dropping an average of 11.21% each year since 2017.

Although South Gloucestershire saw 33% more burglaries than Somerset (1.64 per 1,000) in first place, the area experienced over half (105%) the number of thefts than in Bristol (4.49 per 1,000 people).

Here are the safest districts in the Avon and Somerset Police area (district, % change in burglary rate, burglaries per 1,000 people in 2021):

1. Somerset: -15.05%, 1.64
2. North Somerset: -9.75%, 2.14
3. South Gloucestershire: -11.21%, 2.19
4. Bath and North East Somerset: -8.82%, 2.38
5. Bristol: -12.47%, 4.49

With 4.49 thefts reported per 1,000 people last year, Bristol has been named the most dangerous area of the Avon and Somerset area.

This is 173% more thefts reported than in Somerset (1.64 per 1,000 people). However, since 2017, the rate of thefts has dropped 12.47% on average each year, the second largest drop of all areas analysed, only behind Somerset (15.05% drop).

Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "Although burglary rates seem to be dropping year on year, it’s still as 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.

"Our guide to protecting your home from burglars outlines some of the most effective ways of keeping your house safe. This includes some simple changes, such as investing in smart home security.

"Nowadays, technology has advanced to give us cheap, easy to install smart home devices such as doorbells and automated lights. These let you know who’s outside without you needing to go near the door."