Brits take steps to protect themselves

People are taking responsibility to safeguard themselves and their belongings, according to the latest 'Safety Uncovered' research from Legal & General.

Although the risk of becoming a victim of crime has decreased during the past decade, the latest research findings show that people are still concerned and are taking steps to ensure their own safety:

Although a dog is considered to be a “man’s best friend”, the findings show it is women (22%)more so than men (17%), who rely on a dog to protect them and their belongings.

Almost one in four (24%) fifty year olds has a dog for safety reasons.

Almost a third of women (32%) will take a taxi home in the evenings rather than walk – compared to just 11% of men. It is the under 30’s, rather than any other age group who are most likely to hail a cab rather than walk – one in four (25%) preferring to travel home by car.

Concerned by the growth in ID theft and their personal safety, as many as 80% of people refuse to give out their personal details, more than a third (39%) are ex-directory and a further 40% refuse to open their front door to strangers.

Despite the large number of lower and ground floor flats, only 16% of Londoners have installed window bars or security lights yet residents of the capital are far more likely to refuse to open the door to strangers (38%).

Concerned with threats to their safety and identity, as many as 71% of people living in Wales will destroy all personal paperwork and documentation, and 36% are ex-directory. Furthermore, over one in four (27%) Welsh people concerned by crime have bought a dog.

Ruth Wilkins, Head of Communications at Legal & General’s general insurance business commented: “The Safety Uncovered research shows that more than half the population (52%) are worried about crime. As a major manufacturer of insurance products in the UK it is encouraging to see the steps people are taking to safeguard themselves and their belongings. Installing a burglar alarm, good quality locks and security lighting or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area can all help to deter a burglar entering a person’s home.

“Legal & General is an expert in managing risk as well as offering customers value for money so, for example, discounts on the costs of our contents cover are available if customers have good quality door and window locks or live in a Neighbourhood Watch area.”