Alert neighbours 'helping to tackle crime'

By Marianne Straker, Fri 20 Aug 2010 - Published in Home Insurance

Brits are taking steps to stop their neighbours from becoming the victims of criminals, new research has shown.

A report by Halifax Home Insurance claimed that the intervention of watchful neighbours resulted in 215,000 arrests being made last year, with 39 per cent reporting suspicious behaviour to the police and 16 per cent telling the homeowner directly.

The study also showed that house burglary is the offence most often thwarted by alert neighbours, accounting for 36 per cent of arrests. This was followed by garden thefts (19 per cent), vehicle break-ins (16 per cent) and vandalism to homes (14 per cent).

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "There is no doubt that looking out for your neighbours prevents crime and helps to build safer and more cohesive communities. It also saves millions of pounds every year."

Recently, the Association of British Insurers warned homeowners that thefts tend to increase as the weather warms up, as people are more likely to leave their doors and windows open.

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