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Safe as Houses: not with a crime committed every seven seconds

28th August 2014 Print

There are over 11,620 household crime offences reported every day in England and Wales, with an offence happening every seven seconds, according to analysis of ONS data by Churchill Home Insurance.

Crimes recorded include vandalism, burglary, theft and vehicle crime. The findings from Churchill highlight that those worst affected are unemployed (359 incidences per 1,000 households), lone parents (287 incidences per 1,000 households) and economically inactive (e.g. long term/temporary sick or ill) (276 incidences per 1,000 households).

Blue collar communities saw more crime than average (224 incidences per 1,000 households) in the last 12 months and social renters are the worst affected tenancy group with 218 incidences per 1,000 households compared to 159 incidences amongst owned households.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance, said: “Even though there has been a decrease in total crime over the past few years, the majority of current crimes are related to the household. Property crime accounts for 72 per cent of all Police-recorded crime and 80 per cent of all incidents measured by the Crime Survey of England and Wales.

“It is important that householders are aware of the potential threats to their homes and take the appropriate precautions. This includes installing security measures and ensuring their home insurance policy meets their needs.”

Areas that are more densely populated have higher incidences of household crime. Terraced houses saw 70 per cent more incidents than detached households in the last 12 months.  Urban areas are more affected than rural communities, with those living in the city seeing 167 incidences per 1,000 households versus 112 in the countryside.

Regionally, the East Midlands has the highest incident rate of household crime in England and Wales (208 incidences per 1,000 households), followed by Wales (194 incidences per 1,000 households) and Yorkshire and Humberside (190 incidences per 1,000 households).

Churchill offers the following tips to help reduce the chances of household crime:

Security measures – Install security measures such as security lights, anti-vandal/climb paint and a home alarm.

Keep it clean – It is suggested that unmaintained properties are more susceptible to crime so repair broken windows/tiles, keep your garden lawn in check and don’t leave rubbish, especially from expensive purchases, on the kerb.

Nobody’s home –When you’re not at home make sure the garden gate is closed, the windows are locked and if you’re away for more than a few nights use timers to switch lights on and off.

Good Neighbours – In our busy lives it can be difficult to get to know your neighbours, however maintaining a good relationship with those we live closest to can make our communities a safer and more sociable place to live