Anti-social behaviour has cost Brits over a billion pounds ¹ in repairs in the last five years, according to Zurich.
The study reveals that more than 30 million ² adults have experienced anti-social behaviour, with nearly one in five (22%) shelling out at least £400 since 2002 to fix vandals’ handiwork.
Most common crimes in today’s ASBO nation, the study reveals, are offences around people’s homes with graffiti (19%), vandalism to front doors or walls (12%) and abandoned cars (10%) the main issues. Nearly a third (30%) say they have suffered at least six times in the last five years.
As a result, many are being forced to take action – one in five (19%) have reviewed their home security, while 27% have weighed up moving to a new area. A third (31%) have even considered confronting those responsible.
“This report shows that anti-social behaviour is really taking a toll on us
Martin Hall, head of personal lines underwriting at Zurich Insurance
Martin Hall, head of personal lines underwriting at Zurich Insurance said: “This report shows that anti-social behaviour is really taking a toll on us. As well as physical damage to properties and vehicles, there is a financial and emotional cost too. To help minimise the impact of anti-social behaviour, we believe there are some simple changes that home owners can make to reduce the chances of falling victim to vandals. Robust security measures can be a major deterrent, so installing an effective home and car alarm system and making sure that garden gates and shed doors are securely locked are good places to start.
“Another simple but effective security measure is getting to know your neighbours. As neighbourhoods change, it’s always good to see residents looking out for each other, and the reassurance that they are all working together means they can help reduce the threat of damage to their homes.”
¹ According to the Census 2001 there are 45,434,897 adults in the UK. 67% have experienced anti-social behaviour, which equals 30,441,381 million adults. 43% of these have had to repair damage to their property and/or vehicle in the last five years, which equals 13,089,793 adults. 22% of these have spent at least £400 on repairs in the last five years, which equals 2,879,754 adults. Therefore 2,879,754 x £400 = £1,151,901,784
² According to the Census 2001 there are 45,434,897 adults in the UK. 67% have experienced anti-social behaviour, which equals 30,441,381 million adults.
