Homes in Oxford are the fifth most likely to be burgled in the UK, according to new research.

Insurance claims made to Endsleigh reveal households in Oxford are more at risk than homeowners in Bristol, Manchester or Glasgow.

Recent police figures in the British Crime Survey showed the city had suffered a 14 per cent rise in burglaries in the past financial year.

Stuart Wartalski, of Endsleigh, said: "It is crucial that, as well as getting involved in neighbourhood safety schemes where they can, people across the county remain vigilant when it comes to home security."

According to the rankings, homes in Oxford are 47 per cent more likely to be burgled than the average home across the country.

Endsleigh would not release how many claims have been made or what the national average is for commercial reasons.

The figures do not include insurance claims made by students.

Oxford police area commander Supt Jim Trotman said: "There has been a rise in burglaries last year but that figure had been falling. It is very difficult to comment on the research by Endsleigh when they won't release the data to confirm what they mean for commercial reasons."

According to the British Crime Survey there were 154 more burglaries in Oxford from May 2006 to April 2007 compared to a year before.

Police believe the increase is due to burglars targeting student accommodation and private rented housing in East Oxford.

Mr Trotman expected house burglaries to fall over the next 12 months.