Home insurance - Tips & Advice - Buildings insurance
According to the Home Office Crime Reduction site (www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk) vandalism or criminal damage applies to a crime in which any person without lawful excuse intentionally or recklessly destroys any property belonging to another. Accidental damage or activities resulting in non-permanent damage (i.e. damage that can be rectified, cleaned off or removed at no cost) such as letting down of car tyres are not classified as criminal damage or vandalism.
How big is the problem?
Vandalism is believed to cost the UK more than £2.1 billion a year. Around 40% occurs against vehicles, with damage to bodywork, wing mirrors and tyres most common. About a quarter occurs to homes with damage to walls, fences and other garden items most common. Offenders are predominantly aged 21 or under and have cited reasons for their actions as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, getting high from the ‘buzz’ of committing a crime, to stave off boredom, or taking an act of revenge. Over 80% of vandalism is committed on the spur of the moment and those living in high crime areas are most at risk.
Are their penalties for offenders?
Vandals beware! Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 there are various sentences and fines that can be given for vandalism and associated crimes. These include life for arson, criminal damage that endangers life, or for threat or possession with intent to commit criminal damage involving explosives; 14 years where the crime is racially or religiously aggravated; and 10 years for all other forms of criminal damage, including threat or possession with intent to commit criminal damage.
Often, however, vandalism cases are more minor than this and can be dealt with in a magistrates’ court. Here, the court will take into account the amount of damage and trouble caused in restoring the property when sentencing: if the value of recovery exceeds £5,000, the maximum penalty is six months in jail and a £5,000 fine; if the value is less than £5,000, the maximum sentence is three months imprisonment or a fine of £2,500.
What happens if my home is vandalised?
Call the police immediately. There are prosecution measures in place, as above, and hopefully the offenders can be caught and you can get some compensation for damage caused if your case goes to court. You should document any damage caused with a camera and take notes where applicable – time of occurrence or previous incidents for example.
The more information you have, the better evidence you can give to the police and your insurance company. When the damage has been assessed there are vandalism removal specialists you can call upon. For graffiti, for example, www.graffitiremovalltd.co.uk, www.agsgraffiti.co.uk and www.graffiti-busters.co.uk can remove it, protect your building in future and supply cleaning equipment.
How can I prevent vandalism to my home?
You could install security measures such as outside lights to help deter vandals. Fit gates to drives and fences and hedges around gardens to prevent intruders from trespassing on your property. It’s also wise to join a neighbourhood watch scheme to deal with, and help prevent, vandalism against your home and in your area. See www.neighbourhoodwatch.net for links and ideas. You could also help set up or support initiatives that tackle the root causes of vandalism amongst children and youths. These could include sports centres, youth clubs and other leisure facilities.
How Direct Line can help
If your home is a victim of vandalism then Home Insurance customers could make a claim. Our buildings insurance offers up to £1 million of cover to buildings, fixtures and fittings, and outbuildings including sheds and garages. (Direct Line Home Insurance Plus offers unlimited Buildings Cover).
Our contents insurance offers new-for-old cover on a range of contents, furniture, carpets and valuables. Both policies include cover for vandalism and malicious acts as well as storm, flood, theft, escape of water and subsidence. If you leave your home for more than 60 consecutive days you will not be covered. Malicious acts or vandalism caused by paying guests or tenants are also not covered so choose them carefully!
To find out more about the many benefits of Direct Line home buildings or contents insurance, consult our policy documents online. Get peace of mind against vandalism and apply for a quote today at www.directline.com/home/welcome.htm.
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