True cost of our property obsession: brits turn a blind eye to crime

• One in 10 adults have been a victim of, or witnessed a crime, but failed to report it for fear it would devalue their property
• 4.5 million Brits would consider not reporting a crime, or would discourage their neighbour from reporting one because it would show up on an online crime map
• 24 million Brits admit they would not live in high crime areas
   

New research1 from Direct Line Home Insurance reveals the true extent of our property obsession. Almost one in 10 (eight per cent) Brits state they have been a victim of, or witnessed a crime, but have not reported it to the police for fear it would show up on an online police crime map and devalue their property or make it more difficult to rent.

The study also reveals that 4.5 million2 (nine per cent) Britons would consider not reporting a crime, or would discourage their neighbour from reporting one because it would show up on an online crime map. Those living in Newcastle (15 per cent), Birmingham (13 per cent), London (11 per cent) and Glasgow (10 per cent) are the least likely to report a crime for this reason.

Half (49 per cent) of UK adults would check crime statistics in a neighbourhood they were looking to move to, before committing to buying or renting a property with 24 million3 (47 per cent) refusing to live in a high crime neighbourhood. This refusal could rule out traditionally highly desirable areas such as Knightsbridge and Belgravia in London.

Out of the respondents not reporting a crime, anti-social behaviour was the most commonly unreported (33 per cent) followed by vehicle crime (25 per cent) and burglary and/or shoplifting (24 per cent).

Rebecca Clapham, head of household products at Direct Line, commented: “We are a nation obsessed with property and this has even filtered through to how we report crime with some homeowners concerned about doing anything that could devalue their home. It’s frightening that people are turning a blind eye to crime with some going unreported as a result. People need to remember that the purpose of a crime map is to analyse crime to help law enforcement and to evaluate crime prevention strategies, not to devalue a property.

“Our homes contain some of our most prized possessions and so it’s important to make sure they are properly protected. It’s concerning that burglary is one of the top three unreported crimes, especially as you need a crime reference number during the claims process when the loss or damage is as a result of a crime. If you haven’t reported the crime you won’t be able to have this and you may find your claim is rejected.”

Source: Direct Line 2016
 

Over a third (36 per cent) of respondents claimed they would insist on paying less for a property if it was in a high crime area. A similar amount (35 per cent) would insist on paying less rent.
 

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Notes to Editors

1. Opinium Research interviewed a UK nationally representative sample of 2,007 people, between 31st and 2nd June 2016.
2. Nine per cent of all UK adults would consider not reporting a crime, or would discourage their neighbour from reporting one because it would show up on an online crime map = 50,909,000 (ONS UK adult population) x (179/2007) = 4,540,464
3. 47 per cent of all UK adults would not consider living in a high crime neighbourhood = 50,909,000 (ONS UK adult population) x 0.49 = 23,927,230
    

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster

Direct Line

claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
01651831672

07900 217 264
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting