It's Safety first and Insurance Conscious when it comes to the UK property market

London also claimed five of the top 20 areas which were most at risk, according to the research from moneysupermarket.com.

The price comparison site analysed 2.6 million home insurance inquiries last year, with NG5 in Nottingham taking top slot for the most claims by postcode.

Julie Owens, head of home insurance said: "Along with many other UK cities London and Nottingham are classed as high risk areas for crime and it is no surprise to see these areas dominating the top 20.

"Properties classified as being in a 'high-risk' area - whether that be for crime, or something like flooding or subsidence, could mean the price of your insurance premiums will be affected. Unfortunately there is no escaping this and to make matters more complicated, there are no hard and fast rules which apply.

"With the UK in the midst of recession, and recent ABI statistics reporting that in the first quarter of 2009, the cost of burglary insurance claims topped £100 million, making it the most expensive quarter for five years, homeowners need to be extra vigilant when it comes to security for their homes."

Moneysupermarket.com's 10 postcodes most likely to claim for theft and burglary on their home insurance are: NG5, Nottinghamshire LE3, Leicestershire NG2, Nottinghamshire CH66, Cheshire LS8, West Yorkshire SW11, London S8, South Yorkshire N8, London CR0, Surrey BN3, East Sussex NG3

So, when buying this year – keep in mind your insurance costs on your property as well as general safety.