Id like to say that its worth getting the police crime prevention officer around to check out your place. Unfortunately I did as a result of getting burgled - but it is certainly worth while and I found a lot of things that I could easily change that I believe have helped make my property more secure.
One other place near where I live (that I know of) has been burgled over the last year. We've also had a number of communal things taken from around our development (like hosepipes, cleaning equipment etc). As a result of extra vigilance, Ive spotted a number of people hanging around our building and as a result of confronting them I would hope Ive managed to prevent more crime.
I dont know how it all compares nationally (or even regionally) but it is a problem in Forest Hill, even if not as large as reported.