📋 Tender Overview
UK residents typically know just four of their neighbours by name according to a new study from Aviva.One in 10 UK adults - equivalent to around five million people - dont know any of their neighbours by name. This increases to one in six people aged under 25 17 and one in eight aged 25-34 13.The study of 2057 UK adults was carried out as part of an Aviva home security awareness initiative. It found thatAviva data shows a clear trend for home theft claims to increase during the autumn and winter months when daylight is limited. ONS figures reveal that three fifths of burglaries happen during the evening or at night suggesting that some thieves may hide under the cover of darkness.Susan Sansom Head of Operations Aviva UKGI claims says Along with practical precautions like locking doors and windows knowing your neighbours and looking out for one another adds an extra layer of security. This is particularly useful at this time of year when thieves can take advantage of the longer nights.Everybody needs good neighboursHowever while people may not know all of their neighbours the research suggests UK residents are happy to help one another. Four out of five 84 people already carry out tasks for people in their community ranging from taking in parcels 70 to keeping an eye on their homes when away 36 to looking after pets 15.Residents in the West Midlands the East of England and Wales are most likely to help out their neighbours.When neighbours become good friends on social mediaTwo fifths 38 of UK adults would class at least one of their neighbours as a close friend. This is a marked increase compared to a similar Aviva study carried out in 2017 when just 24 of people said the same.Knowing ones neighbours even seems to affect peoples attitudes towards home security three fifths 61 of UK residents would be comfortable leaving their doors unlocked because they feel their neighbourhood is safe.Susan Sansom adds Its brilliant that many consider their neighbourhoods to be safe but its important that people dont put their homes and belongings at risk as a result. Thieves are opportunistic and it only takes a few seconds for them to dash into an unlocked home and grab someones belongings.Neighbours and friends can play a vital role in keeping homes secure. If people are going away for the festive season its useful to ask someone to keep a watch on the property to make sure there are no unwanted visitors. And by checking inside the home for anything untoward - such as a water leak - neighbours can help to prevent or reduce damage. So as well as boosting peoples moods a sense of community spirit can actually help to protect peoples possessions too.
