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Britain's single home hunters are being forced to buy property in undesirable locations because they can't afford the prices in safer areas.
According to new research by insurance company Zurich, 64 per cent of the country's 'singletons' have safety concerns about the area they bought their home in, with nearly one in ten (9 per cent) describing it as crime-ridden. Many new homeowners (39 per cent) had little choice though, as their selection of location was limited by their restricted budget.
Worried about their security, nearly a third (30 per cent) of singletons feel unsafe at night walking home in their local neighbourhood, 15 per cent dislike waiting for public transport and seven per cent feel anxious about sleeping home alone. Despite male bravado, single men feel just as vulnerable as women, with 15 per cent uneasy about walking home in the evening and more than one in ten (12 per cent) uncomfortable about waiting for buses and trains.
The steep rise in street crime has also resulted in mugging featuring high up on many people's list of worries with 14 per cent claiming they are wary of being attacked. Burglars are also a threat, giving more than a third (34 per cent) cause for concern.
It would certainly seem that they are right to be apprehensive about safety, as almost one in ten (eight per cent) have had their house burgled, 14 per cent have had their car broken into or stolen and 13 per cent have witnessed a crime taking place in their neighbourhood.
Phil Ost, Head of Communications at Zurich says: "It's worrying that so many single people feel vulnerable in their own home and community. Although there is little you can do to 100% guarantee your safety, there are certain measures that you can put in place to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime. Before buying a property we recommend that people visit the area at night and talk to neighbours and shop owners - locals are often the best people to approach for a realistic view of the neighbourhood. It's also worth spending the time assessing and where appropriate, improving your home and car security.
"It's important to remember that whilst insurance can replace belongings covered by your policy, there is no replacement for the inconvenience or emotional distress caused"
Tips
To help homeowners feel safer in their homes, Zurich has compiled the following list of security tips:
- Invest in a security alarm system.
- Invest in a heavyweight, secure front door with a good quality locking system and always use this as the final exit door. For additional security you could also put a door chain in place and install a "spy hole".
- Fit locks on all of the windows, especially those on the ground floor and others that are easily accessible.
- Fit mortice locks and bolts at the top and bottom of external doors. For additional security, you could also put a door-chain in place.
- Fit locks on all of the windows, especially those on the ground floor.
- If you're feeling particularly vulnerable, think about installing security bars or grilles on vulnerable/single-glazed windows.
- Install a timer switch which will automatically turn the lights on and off when no one is at home.
- Sensor based garden lighting systems can help deter "would-be" intruders.
- Secure any gates at the side and back of the property with good quality bolts and padlocks.
- Fit padlocks to shed doors.
- Try to park vehicles under street lights.
- Never leave possessions in the car and if you do, make sure they aren't visible to passers-by.
- For specific advice, contact the Crime Reduction Officer at your local police station.
For additional crime prevention information look at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
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For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Pugh, Zurich on 01489 864636
Email Kathryn.pugh@uk.zurich.com
The Zurich Financial Services Group is an insurance-based financial services provider that focuses its activities on its key markets of North America, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has offices in approximately 60 countries and employs well over 70,000 people
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