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Neighbourhood Watch data: Antisocial behaviour is the UK’s most feared and common crime

960 640 Stuart O'Brien

Over a quarter of Brits don’t feel safe at home, with antisocial behaviour (67%), burglary (52%) and cybercrime (44%) being the top three most feared crimes across the UK.

Although The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that crime rates dropped by 10% in 2023, the National Crime & Community Survey conducted by Neighbourhood Watch and SimpliSafe Home Security found that a staggering 37% of Brits experienced a crime in the last year, with 63% of those having experienced antisocial behaviour, followed by physical assault (25%).

Shockingly, 58% of people who witnessed a crime over the past 12 months did not report it, with the main reason being they didn’t believe anything would be done – this behaviour was the most common among Brummies (10%).

When looking at the data regionally, Londoners experienced the highest level of crime over the past 12 months (46%), with Geordies not too far behind (44%). The South West experienced the least crime (71%), which ties with people in that region feeling the safest (81%). Those in the West Midlands, however, feel the most unsafe (37%).

Neighbourhood Watch has supported the Home Office’s work this year in trialling new policing approaches to tackling antisocial behaviour across England. The findings of this survey highlight the need for further research into why antisocial behaviour remains a prevalent crime in the country. There is also a continued need for action to be taken to prevent incidents of antisocial behaviour in communities.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network: “It is clear from the findings of our survey that we must continue to prioritise sharing resources and raising awareness of antisocial behaviour, burglary and cybercrime. A staggering 46% of people didn’t report a crime over the past 12 months according to the National Crime & Community Survey and 5% of those said it was because they were too scared to do so, so it’s important to help empower people to take action to protect themselves and prevent these crimes from impacting them and their communities. Working collaboratively with other organisations will be essential to help reduce crimes such as ASB in communities, and increase feelings of safety and community wellbeing.” 

The charity continues to work hard to support its members with understanding how to respond to antisocial behaviour and harassment, either as a bystander or as a victim, and highlights the importance of being an active bystander. Through the Suzy Lamplugh ‘5Ds’ training, which Neighbourhood Watch encourages volunteers to take, members receive guidance on how to safely and effectively intervene, document or support the victims of these crimes.

Statistics from this survey show that more than half (56%) of respondents have changed their behaviour after seeing crime prevention campaigns from Neighbourhood Watch, suggesting their guidance has had a positive impact, with people feeling equipped to take action or change their behaviours in the face of crime.

Photo by Competitive Insight on Unsplash

HEALTH & SAFETY MONTH: Top tips for sourcing health & safety solutions as part of your security framework

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Finding the right Health & Safety (H&S) solutions provider becomes crucial for physical security professionals to ensure a safe working environment for staff while maintaining robust security protocols. But with a plethora of providers offering diverse solutions, the sourcing process can be daunting. Here are some top tips to help you navigate the landscape and find the perfect partner, based on input from attendees at the Total Security Summit…

1. Define Your Needs & Priorities:

Before seeking external solutions, conduct a thorough risk assessment within your facilities. Identify potential H&S hazards specific to your security operations. Consider factors like:

  • Physical risks: Slips, trips, and falls remain a concern. Are there ergonomic concerns with security equipment or patrol routes?
  • Mental health: Long hours and high-pressure situations can contribute to stress. Consider H&S solutions that address employee well-being and mental health support.
  • Lone worker safety: Many security personnel patrol isolated areas. Ensure your chosen H&S solutions address lone worker safety protocols.
  • Security equipment safety: Proper training and maintenance of security equipment are paramount. Does the provider offer relevant safety training for your staff?

2. Research and Shortlist Providers:

Research H&S solutions providers with experience in the security sector. Look for companies with a proven track record of working with security teams in the UK and understanding the unique challenges of your industry.

3. Evaluate Expertise and Qualifications:

Don’t settle for generic H&S solutions. Look for providers with expertise in risk assessments specific to security operations. Ensure their consultants possess relevant qualifications and experience in physical security environments.

4. Integration with Existing Security Strategies:

The ideal H&S solutions provider should seamlessly integrate their recommendations with your existing security protocols. Do they offer solutions that complement access control systems, incident reporting procedures, and existing safety measures?

5. Look Beyond Compliance:

While compliance with regulations is essential, a forward-thinking provider will help you go further. Do they offer proactive risk management solutions, such as accident prevention programs and safety training tailored to security personnel?

6. Technology and Data Analytics:

Modern H&S solutions leverage technology. Does the provider utilize data analytics to identify trends and predict potential safety hazards within your security operations?

7. Communication and Collaboration:

Effective H&S management requires open communication and collaboration. Choose a provider who fosters a strong working relationship with your security team and other relevant departments within your organization.

8. Training and Support Services:

Beyond initial risk assessments, the right provider will offer ongoing support. Do they offer training programs for your security staff on H&S best practices and the safe use of security equipment? Consider their after-sales support and ongoing guidance as crucial aspects of their service.

Bonus Tip:

Consider requesting case studies from shortlisted providers. This allows you to see how they have successfully addressed H&S challenges in security operations similar to yours.

By following these top tips, physical security professionals can source the best Health & Safety solutions providers. The right partner will create a safe working environment for your team, ultimately contributing to a more secure and healthy operation for your entire organization.

Are you searching for Health & Safety solutions for your organisation? The Total Security Summit can help!

Photo by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash

Guest Blog: Sarah Adams – Why preventing cybercrime is only half the battle

399 226 Stuart O'Brien

Sarah Adams, cyber risk specialist at business insurance broker PolicyBee, discusses how the world of online opportunities extends to that of cyber criminals, and what to do to stop it in its tracks.

Sarah Adam Cyber from PolicyBee

Protecting your business against a cyber-attack is, of course, completely sensible. Problem is, increasingly sophisticated hackers are finding new ways to get through even the most robust security measures.

Any business that uses the internet – and that’s pretty much every business – can fall victim to a cyber-attack. Yes, even those that have taken steps to increase their internet security and protect their systems against spyware, malware, ransomware are susceptible.

The truth is that cyber criminals don’t care what a business actually does. While large businesses can start pound-signs flashing in the eyes of salivating hackers, small businesses are (easy) targets too.

Cyber criminals don’t discriminate, and they don’t give up. Even with the best will in the world and the most stringent of IT security procedures in place, a savvy thief will always find a way through.

The consequences of this tenacity can be far-reaching; both for the businesses that fall victim, and for their clients. Money, time, reputation and future income are all at stake, with costs for managing reputational damage, legal or regulatory costs often proving to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

According to the Cabinet Office, ‘fixing’ just one security breach can cost upwards of £15,000 for small businesses and up to £250,000 for larger businesses, and that’s only one piece of the jigsaw that will need to be put back together.

Costs of identifying and fixing the problem, replacing damaged software and hardware, hiring specialist IT security consultants, hiring a PR firm to manage a damaged reputation, and hiring a solicitor to deal with clients who’ve had their own business compromised as a result of cybercrime, can spiral into the many thousands.

Cyber insurance is specifically designed to protect businesses from all of the above and more. It can cover the cost of repairing systems or websites, cover the costs of using temporary equipment to help with business continuity, compensate those irate clients, as well as cover the often-overlooked reputation management costs.

Getting back to business as quickly as possible should be number one on the agenda of a cybercrime victim, yet it’s worrying that so many businesses still see this type of protection as a ‘nice to have’, and not a ‘need to have’.

Today’s world is uber-connected, and it’s not just the humble office server proving to be a liability in 2017. Mobile technology enables staff to work from pretty much anywhere in the world, social media enables them to speak to pretty much anyone in the world, and even home appliances have been given the digital treatment – enabling them to access Wi-Fi and mobile networks at the click of a button.

All of these devices equal more opportunities for professional cyber criminals and unscrupulous hackers to get stuck in. How many businesses are confident enough to say they have all these angles covered?

It’s worth noting though, that not all cyber insurance policies are created equal. Businesses should take care check that their cover includes extra things like forensic investigations, legal advice, notifying customers or regulators, and offering support to any affected customers too, on top of compensation for loss of income.

With proper risk management and a little foresight, businesses can protect their businesses from cybercrime fallout for less than the cost of treating their staff to lunch once a month. Not investing in cyber insurance therefore is not only incomprehensible, but plain bad business.

For more info visit www.policybee.co.uk/cyber-insurance