Safer Street

Don’t ignore the risks

Homes invaded, personal possessions stolen, buildings damaged, the emotional effects of a burglary can last for years.

Government figures show that overall crime is still down, but household burglaries are up are up by 4%.*

It’s too early to say that this is entirely down to the current economic climate, but historically when finances go down crime goes up.

Recent research by Aviva shows that over a third of us feel more at risk of burglary because of the credit crunch.**

And the insurer fears that burglary rates could rise by as much as a 50% by the end of 2009 if home owners don’t take action.

Safer Street

So it’s more important than ever to protect your possessions!

The majority of burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves, so now is the time to take that opportunity away!

Aviva’s Safer Street project aims to show the average homeowner some easy and inexpensive steps they can take to help reduce their risk.

Working in partnership with Norfolk Police we have taken a typical row of Victorian terraces in Norwich and given them a simple security makeover.

The measures range from the basics – door and window locks – to the more innovative – prickly plants and strategically placed lighting.

Of course no home can ever be burglar–proof, personal responsibility, communities working together and good neighbour relations all play a part.

So have a look at what we have done and see you if too could benefit from our learnings in the Safer Street project.

* Home Office crime statistics April 2009
** Research conducted with 2,592 adults online between 22nd and 29th August 2008. The survey was carried out by Redshift Ltd.