Home insurance customers wary of anti-social behaviour

Home insurance policy holders are not sold on a government initiative to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, according to a new survey.

Despite a £100 million concentrated effort on anti-social behaviour in cities across the UK, 27 per cent of homeowners in priority areas believe crime has worsened, which, if true, would have a negative impact on home insurance premiums.

The survey, published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, also revealed that 48 per cent of people consider there to have been no improvement since the government implemented its Youth Crime Action Plan.

In response, shadow home office minister James Brokenshire has accused the government of failing to address the problems.

When ministers don't face up to the challenge of combating anti-social behaviour, and instead try to spin bad news, then you know that the government has completely lost its way, he said.

Most home insurance websites recommend joining a neighbourhood watch scheme to help reduce crime.