Burglaries in Redbridge have dropped by nearly a third over the past three years – despite an increase in insurance claims.

Figures published by MoneySuperMarket last week put Redbridge postcodes in its top 10 burglary hotspots, based on people searching for insurance quotes on the advice site.

Now police and Redbridge Council’s safer communities partnership has stressed the figures do not reflect actual burglaries in the borough.

A statement published on the council website said: “We’re working hard alongside the police to tackle burglary and support victims of burglary.

“It’s worth noting though, that the figures quoted are based on people who have mentioned insurance claims when submitting a quote to MoneySuperMarket, and don’t reflect actual burglaries in the borough.

“As it’s based on postcodes, the areas mentioned could also include other boroughs.”

The council said over the past three years there had been a 28 per cent drop in the number of burglaries in Redbridge, with residential burglary down 12.7pc this year compared with last year – equating to 378 fewer burglaries.

“We work with the police to closely monitor burglary trends and have introduced a number of initiatives to help reduce burglary and support victims,” said the statement.

One project is to provide every burglary victim with a forensic property marking kit to put off potential thieves.

Neighbours of victims are also given marker pens or marking kits, as well as crime prevention advice.

The council has also been installing gates on vulnerable alleyways to deter burglars, with 15 successful schemes already completed.

“Burglary is a priority for the Redbridge Safer Communities Partnership and we will continue to work hard to ensure figures continue to reduce,” said the statement.

The deadline to apply for the council’s alley-gating scheme – which provides up to half the cost of resident-led projects – is Monday (February 2). Email RSCP@redbridge.gov.uk or call 0208 708 5361 for details on how to apply.