Three in 10 (30%) listed property owners in Britain have been a victim of a property crime, according to research commissioned by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical and the Listed Property Owners’ Club.
The survey of 986 Listed Property Owners’ Club members found that of those who have been victimised, 52% have experienced property contents theft; 32%, anti-social behaviour; 29%, criminal damage; 20%, vandalism; 13%, theft of metal; and 10%, graffiti.
“In the most extreme cases, some respondents to our survey had been victims of violence in their own homes,” noted Ecclesiastical. “One home owner reported being ‘physically attacked by four masked intruders’ in their home.”
The poll also revealed that 92% of listed property owners feel vulnerable to property crime while 43% believe living in a listed building makes them more susceptible to property crime than those residing in modern buildings.
“As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re sad to read that 30% of listed property owners have been a victim of a property crime and most feel vulnerable to property crime,” commented Ecclesiastical heritage director Faith Kitchen (pictured).
“While gaining consent to make alterations to listed buildings can be challenging, there are many reversible and inconspicuous measures that brokers can discuss with their clients to improve the security of a listed building including CCTV, intruder alarms, and security lighting.”
“Insurance can offer a safety net should the worst happen,” added Kitchen, “and brokers play an important role in helping clients understand the risks they are facing and in ensuring they have the right cover in place.”
