The continued necessity to have good home insurance was once again highlighted this week with the release of the latest batch of crime figures by the British Crime Survey (BCS).
Massive increase questioned
According to the report, based on interviews with members of the public, house burglaries in the UK went up by a massive 14% and violent crime by a disturbing 6%. Incredibly, on the same day as the figures were released by BCS, a report released by the Government based on figures collated by the various constabularies around the country showed crime had fallen in the UK by 8%. The disparity in the two reports had politicians and police chiefs arguing which set of figures were the most reliable.
Are criminals winning the battle?
It seems the disparity may be that the Home Office report accounted for crimes reported to the Police whereas the BCS report asked householders if they had suffered from criminal activity. Whatever the truth both parties accepted that the level of crime was too high and that after a decade of falling levels across the board there is a danger that criminals are once more gaining the upper hand. The BCS report suggested an increase in the overall level by about 100,000.
Hard to compensate for loss
The BCS report did show a disturbing increase in the activities of sneak thieves. The incidence of thieves nipping in to an open door or window and stealing purses, watches, mobile phones and jewellery increased by 10%. It is this type of crime that often proves to be the most distressing for householders. It is often the case that the merchandise stolen in this way is indeed covered by a home contents insurance policy, but the sentimental value of a wedding ring or a photo of loved ones in a purse or wallet just cannot be replaced.
Wait and see
With the prospect of job cuts across the constabularies of England and Wales in the coming months, homeowners across the country will be worried by the increase in house crime at a time when community “bobbies” may become a rarer site. Chief Constables accept they may have to lose up to as many as 20% of their staff, although Home Secretary Theresa May has said there is no reason why “front line policing” should suffer. It may well be we have to wait for 2012 BCS survey to be released before we know who is exactly right in this debate.
Tags: crime, Home Insurance