Insurers research confirms vandalism is a rising social menace

Following the publication of the latest British Crime Survey, Lloyds TSB Insurance has commented on the figures showing that vandalism has risen by 11 per cent in the past year.

Recent research from the insurer revealed that half the population believes a growing culture of vandalism is one of the biggest problems facing modern society in Britain. One in ten people have been victims of this type of property crime.

Fear of vandalism is also a significant problem in its own right. A fifth of the population (22 per cent) say that they are worried about the situation in their own neighbourhood and admit to feeling physically threatened by gangs of youths in their area.

Asked what factors might be fuelling the rise in vandalism, almost eight out on ten (79 per cent) blame a lack of discipline at home, while three quarters (74 per cent) see the root cause as boredom. Seven out of ten (70 per cent), believe alcohol and drug abuse are the main factors, while two fifths (44 per cent) blame the lack of any real deterrent. A further 16 per cent said the fact that homes are easy targets for vandals contributed to the problem, and one in ten (9 per cent) said the influence of modern music was to blame.

The damage done by vandals includes:

Ransacked homes - 41 per cent
Smashed windows - 33 per cent
Damage to fences or garden walls - 22 per cent
Graffiti - 15 per cent
Smashed garden ornaments - 11 per cent
Arson - 2 per cent

Phil Loney, managing director Lloyds TSB Insurance said: "Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to crime and it is great to see evidence that crime appears to be falling in some areas. However our own research backs up today's crime survey figures which show that vandalism is a problem on the rise. Insurance is vital in this equation and home owners can't afford to cut back on their cover".