A staggering 69% of Crime and Community Survey respondents identify antisocial behaviour as their top crime concern, significantly outweighing worries about home burglaries (50%) and cybercrime (45%).
Statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) also demonstrate the prevalence of antisocial behaviour and rising fears of crime, with their report from June 2024 showing that 36% of people had experienced or witnessed some type of antisocial behaviour. This data demonstrates the continued need for communities to come together to reduce antisocial behaviour in their local area, and for individuals to be confident in identifying and reporting incidents to the police.
The prevalence of antisocial behaviour contributes to a general sense of unease, with a quarter of respondents admitting they feel unsafe and a similar proportion (26%) feeling they don’t belong in their own neighbourhood. When looking at the data regionally, Londoners experienced the highest level of crime over the past 12 months (52%), with the North East not too far behind (44%). The East of England experienced the least crime (31%), which ties with people in that region feeling much safer than others (76.2%). Those in the West Midlands, however, feel the most unsafe (36%).
Figures from this latest survey by Neighbourhood Watch Network and SimpliSafe Home Security showed that despite the importance of reporting crimes including antisocial behaviour, 42% of people who experienced a crime either didn’t report it or stopped before completing the report. Disappointingly, the main reason cited for not reporting crimes was a feeling that nothing would be done – accounting for 73% of lapsed reports.
Savvy Brits shared their tips for protecting valuables from would-be burglars, with 39% saying they would choose a safe within their home as their preferred hiding place, followed by using their loft (7.8%), or even a trusty sock drawer (3.8%). Other creative suggestions for keeping valuables safe included a false bookshelf in the lounge, a biscuit tin in the kitchen, and even the refrigerator. Men were more likely to hide objects in distant corners of the home, such as using the loft, a sock drawer, or hiding valuables under a floorboard, whereas women were more likely to hide objects near the kitchen (being more likely to choose a tin, cereal box or spice pot in the kitchen).
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network:
“The findings from our recent survey demonstrate the continued need to reduce crime in local communities across England and Wales and to invest in initiatives that will have a meaningful impact on how safe people feel. Our charity is committed to educating and empowering individuals and communities, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to work together and reduce crime in their local areas. The data shows that the landscape of crime is continuing to change at a rapid pace, with increasingly frequent incidents of cybercrime and digital fraud affecting communities of all ages and backgrounds. It is our responsibility, and that of other organisations, to keep people safe and equip them to deal with this shifting crime landscape.”
Jonathan Wall, VP, UK Managing Director at SimpliSafe Home Security, added:
“Antisocial behaviour is a major concern for many, outweighing worries about other crimes like burglary and cybercrime, and significantly impacting people’s sense of safety and belonging. The survey also revealed that over a quarter of respondents feel disconnected from their neighbourhoods, a factor that may contribute to the problem.
“While many invest in security measures due to rising crime rates (41%), a proactive approach is recommended. Rather than waiting for crime to increase, consider preventative security solutions. Brits favour external security lights (60%), indoor light timers (45%), video doorbells (40%), and outdoor cameras (40%), all of which can be effective deterrents against antisocial behaviour.”
Members of the public can register for free to join Neighbourhood Watch as a member or volunteer here: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW.
