Brits worry about neighbourhood crime

19th August, 2005

Nearly one in three Brits is worried about the anti-social and yobbish behaviour that goes on in their neighbourhood, finds a new report.

Women particularly are feeling increasingly vulnerable on the street, with nearly half (40 per cent) of women saying they 'never' feel safe enough to walk the streets at night.

The idea of neighbours is traditionally one of a supportive network of people that are integral to the community.

Now that this structure seems to be disappearing, it is important that homeowners take out adequate house insurance to cover themselves in instances of theft and damage to property.

Two surveys were conducted by the National Neighbourhood Watch Association and the Post Office, which questioned 2,347 people on their perception of crime and the neighbourhood.

One in six people felt that crime rates had increased in their community, whereas this perception was totally different for people who were members of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. 41 per cent of people in a scheme felt that crime had decreased in their area.

The results indicate that people who actively take anti crime measures seem to feel more secure in their homes. And when the theft-prevention mechanisms works, it could eventually lead to lower home insurance premiums as crime rates decrease.

'Less crime in an area also means lower household premiums for all so everyone benefits,' said Claire Oldstein, head of home insurance at the Post Office.

Neighbourhood Watchers were also found to be more social than people who do not know their neighbours: 46 per cent of Neighbourhood Watch members said they spoke to neighbours every day.

 

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