Direct Line reveals the true fear of crime, as 21 million brits admit they will not live in high crime areas

• Hidden crime: 101 per cent of Britons would consider not reporting a crime to the police because it would show up on an online crime map
• Crime does not pay:  36 per cent of those thinking of buying in a high crime area would insist on paying less
   

New research from Direct Line Home Insurance reveals 21 million4 (43 per cent) British adults would refuse to live in a high crime neighbourhood, which could rule out traditionally highly desirable areas such as Hampstead where 11712 crimes were reported last year. In February this year, 92 crimes were recorded on Police crime maps in the vicinity of Sloane Square, which could rule out this location for Britons looking for a prime residence. 

Half (50 per cent)1 of UK adults would check crime statistics in a neighbourhood they were looking to move to, before committing to buying or renting. 

With property and rental prices at an all-time high crime has become a serious financial consideration for home owners. Direct Line’s research highlights that more than five million4 people in the UK would consider not reporting crime to the police because it could make it more difficult to sell or rent their property, or reduce its value.

Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line home insurance, said: “Crime is at its lowest since 1981, but our research shows that it is still a major consideration for house hunters and homeowners. It is alarming that crime may go unreported because people are fearful of affecting the price of their property, as it will mean these crimes will not be investigated, potentially leaving criminals free to strike again.”

Over two million4 Brits say they have been a victim of crime or witnessed a criminal offence in the last twelve months, but not reported it to the police for fear of impacting the desirability or value of their property. Almost one in ten (eight per cent) Brits would actively discourage a neighbour from reporting a crime for fear it would show up on a police crime map. Out of the respondents who admitted not reporting a crime, two thirds (65 per cent) had ignored robberies and theft, and three in five (62 per cent) did not report vehicle crime.

Crimes unreported

Source: Direct Line

Lomas continued: “With the housing market on the up, homeowners are concerned about doing anything that could prevent a potential property sale or rental and unfortunately that can include turning a blind eye to crime.

“Most insurers do ask householders for a crime reference number during the claims process when the loss or damage is a result of a crime. If you haven’t reported the crime then you may find your claim is rejected.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Opinium Research interviewed a UK nationally representative sample of 2,001 people, between 11th and 14th April 2014.
2.  http://www.police.uk/metropolitan/00AGGL/
3. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/period-ending-september-2013/sum-crime-stats.html
4. 443% of all UK adults would not consider living in a high crime neighbourhood = 50,371,000 (ONS UK adult population) x 0.43 = 21,659,530
    

10% of all UK adults would definitely or probably consider not reporting a crime to the police because it would show up on an online crime map, which might negatively impact their ability to rent / sell or reduce the value of their property = 50,371,000 x 0.10 = 5,110,101

4% of all UK adults have been a victim of or witnessed a crime, but NOT reported to the police because they feared it would show up on an online police crime map making it more difficult to rent / sell or reduce the value of their property, in the last 12 months = 50,371,000 x 0.04 = 2,014,840

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster

Direct Line

claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
0208 285 8682

07900 217 264

Amrit Nijjer

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

amrit.nijjer@citigatedr.co.uk

0207 282 2803

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 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 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com