Lloyds TSB Insurance Reports Over 50s Driving Down Crime Rates
Released
on: July 8, 2009, 2:42 am
Author:
Lloyds TSB Insurance
Industry: Financial
Lloyds TSB Insurance has conducted a new study that shows
community-minded senior citizens are creating 'safe havens' with the
lowest crime rates in the country.
Lloyds TSB Insurance, the home and car insurance provider, has
revealed that Britain's emerging 'safe havens' include North Norfolk,
Berwick-upon-Tweed and West Somerset, which experience half the crime suffered in
other parts of the country and whose population includes more than two in five
people (43 per cent) over the age of 50.
Rates of burglary and malicious property damage are particularly low in these 'safe
havens', running at around 40 per cent less than national levels.
The study suggests that low crime is promoted by the community-orientated mindset of
older people. The over-50s are five times more likely than the under-35s to know
their neighbours personally and are far more inclined to report suspicious behaviour
in their area.
This anti-crime 'halo' created by older people is aided by much higher membership
of community groups. One in six (16 per cent) are active in Neighbourhood Watch
schemes, compared to a tiny proportion of those in their twenties and thirties (5
per cent).
The waning community spirit of younger Britons is explained in part by more
transient, urban lifestyles. Many young people say they see "no point" in getting
to know their neighbours and a hard core of one in twenty Londoners (7 per cent) has
never met or spoken to anyone who lives nearby.
Phil Loney, managing director of General Insurance at Lloyds Banking Group said: "Our findings demonstrate that younger people aren't as community-minded as their
parents and this mindset can have a big impact on safety and security in our
neighbourhoods.
"Young people can learn a huge amount from the older generation about security
consciousness. Taking a little time to look out for other people's property and
reporting anything suspicious can have a huge impact on burglary rates and
anti-social behaviour.
"We've spoken to some security conscious over-50s and have published some of their
security tips on our website."
Notes to Editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was
2017 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th-29th May 2009. The survey was
carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB
adults (aged 18+). YouGov research questioned 18-35 vs. 50+ age cohorts. 4 per cent
of over-50s know none of their neighbours personally, compared to 20 per cent of
18-35 year olds
About Lloyds TSB:
Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts,
travel, home insurance,
cheap car insurance,
personal loans and credit cards, competitive home insurance quotes investment and cash ISA accounts designed to meet different customers' needs.
Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes.
Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN.
Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.
PR Contact:
Leonie Edwards
PR Manager
Lloyds TSB Insurance
Tredetar Park
Pencarn Way
Newport
NP10 8SB
020 7419 7341
www.lloydstsb.com
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