Friday, May 22, 2009
Category:
Secured Loans
New research by Halifax Home Insurance has revealed that 48 percent of Brits do not feel safe when walking through isolated country lanes at night. This contradicts the popular belief that country life is less dangerous than city life.
This finding is the result of the second of four quarterly reports from the ‘Halifax Home Insurance Peace of Mind Campaign’. The report uncovers an array of varying perceptions regarding the level of safety within urban and rural areas, dependent on the location of the individuals in question.
It was found that 47 percent of inner-city and suburb residents believe that the city streets are safer than deserted country lanes at night. In contrast, 67 percent of those in more rural areas said that they would feel less safe walking down a city street.
The report also clearly pointed to the fact that city centre pubs are perceived as being more dangerous than those in the country. This was declared by 86 percent of both city and country inhabitants who all feel that city centre pubs pose a greater threat on a Friday night than pubs in the country. On a regional basis, 96 percent of respondents from Northern Ireland admitted that they would not feel safe in a city centre pub on a Friday night. In comparison, 25 percent of those living in London claimed to feel this way – the highest recorded figure in the UK.
Neighbourhood crime was described as being the reason behind 37 percent of city residents considering re-locating. In comparison, 8 percent of those living in villages shared the same concern. However, it would seem that city dwellers would rather opt for an alternative city centre location, or a better area where they currently live, than escaping to the country side. In terms of the geographic divide, 91 percent of those in Northern Ireland have never contemplated moving because of crime. In contrast, 36 percent of those in London have done just that.
In addition to regional differences, the report also revealed some findings associated with age. 90 percent of those between 55 and 64 years of age do not feel safe in city centre pubs on Friday nights, and 68 percent of 16 to 18 year olds do not feel safe walking along a quiet country lane at night. This would appear to suggest that the older generation prefer quieter spaces than the younger generation.
Senior Claims Manager at Halifax Home Insurance, Martyn Foulds, commented: "The age-old dream of moving away from the big city to set up a peaceful life in the country is not unfamiliar to many urban dwellers, but our research discovered that times are changing. It appears that young urbanites feel safer among the hustle and bustle of city streets than walking through a deserted country lane at night.
"Depending on one's home surroundings, the perceptions of what is safer in regards to city versus country living differ considerably. Yet, wherever the surroundings, people need to be aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves in and about their home."
Halifax Home Insurance has offered tips for protecting yourself whilst at home and away. With regard to the former, firstly ensure that all doors and windows are fitted with secure locks, particularly on the ground floor. Secondly, do not leave keys in view of those outside, especially if they are for cars or if they are labelled up. Thirdly, security lights and gravel could be considered as a means of being alerted to any trespassers. When it comes to protecting yourself whilst out and about, firstly take note of your surroundings – not only of the location and route taken, but also of those around you. Secondly, ensure that you are aware of alternative routes home just in case a person is behaving suspiciously. Finally, be prepared to open the front door upon approaching the house as opposed to searching for keys which warrants unnecessary loitering.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Homeowners that are looking to improve the security of their property, but do not currently have the funds available to do so, may wish to consider taking out a
secured loan for this purpose. A secured loan, one of many options, could be used to pay for an array of measures such as improved parameter walls, a gravel driveway, security lights, alarms and closed circuit television. In addition, a secured loan could help fund the replacement of old doors and windows with stronger counterparts if necessary to further deter would-be thieves.
