Neighbourhood Watch survey 2024: Everything you need to know

Neighbourhood Watch survey 2024: Everything you need to know

Neighbourhood Watch released their 2024 Crime and Community Survey earlier this year, created to “to better understand the impact of Neighbourhood Watch on levels of crime victimisation, fear of crime and feelings of safety, neighbourliness, community cohesion and loneliness, and the current reach and diversity of Neighbourhood Watch.”.

25,483 people responded to the crime survey for England and Wales, both homeowners and renters alike, ranging in ages from 25 to 85+, to give their feedback on a range of topics from crime levels in their communities to their reliance on home security systems. 

As the sponsored industry partner, who helped to develop and analyse the survey, we’ll break down its key findings - giving you a better understanding of the results and what they mean. We will also provide useful information and resources should you feel the same way as the respondents. 

Keep reading to find out what you need to know about the 2024 Crime and Community Survey. 

How safe do people feel?

Home is the place that most people should feel safe, however, the results from the Neighbourhood Watch crime survey say otherwise. 

The survey found that 26% of people lack a current feeling of safety, with 4% of those feeling "very unsafe" - the most unsafe region being the West Midlands, with 36% of people feeling "unsafe" or "very unsafe". 

Those renting from housing associations or their local authorities felt the least safe, with a staggering 49% of respondents feeling “unsafe” or “very unsafe”, compared to homeowners. 

Age wise, respondents over 65s stated to feel the safest, with 77% feeling "safe" or "very safe", compared to those aged 45-64 at 63%, and under 44s at just 54%.

What crimes do people worry about experiencing or witnessing?

The survey asked respondents “Do you worry about personally experiencing or witnessing any of the following crimes over the next 12 months?”, allowing them to select up to 5 options. 

From the responses, the top three crimes people worry about are antisocial behaviour (69%), having your home broken into (50%) and cybercrime (45%), like phishing emails.

Some crimes were feared in similar percentages by different age groups, whereas others were age-dependent. This was found in responses such as 50% of over 65s fearing cybercrime compared to 26% of under 44s, or only 21% of over 65s fearing physical assault compared to 33% of 44-64s.

How to feel safer in your community

One of the best ways you can feel safer in your community is to take an active stance against crime, like joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. 

The survey found that, of Neighbourhood Watch members, 74% of Members and Volunteers felt "safe" or "very safe", in comparison to non-members (65%).

Joining Neighbourhood Watch has many benefits, beyond making communities feel safer, including:

• Crime prevention: Learn how to spot signs of crime and how to prevent it

• Community building: Connect with neighbours and build stronger communities

• Support: Get support from the police and other organisations in your area

• Volunteering: Get involved in community projects and meet new people

Have there been changes in regional crime levels?

Crime in our communities is a great concern, and those living in those regions are the ones who feel the rise the most. 

A concern that the survey found was that over 44% of people thought that crime had increased in 2024, with less than 2% saying it had decreased. Here are the areas with notable opinions:

Increase of neighbourhood crime: 

• Greater London (57%)

• West Midlands (55%)

• North East (50%)

Remained stable or a decrease in neighbourhood crime:

• South West (38%)

• East England (37%)

• East Midlands (37%) 

What crimes have people been victim to or witnessed?

Crime can have a devastating impact on anyone, regardless of age or location.

The Neighbourhood Watch survey found that 38% of people have experienced a crime in the last year. Regionally, this was highest in Greater London (52%), followed by North East (44%) and West Midlands (41%) - notably, the same regions where respondents felt there had been an increase of crime.

The most common type of experienced crimes were antisocial behaviour (66%), followed by physical assault (28%). The age of respondents also affected the types of crime experienced, such as 20% of over 65s experiencing physical assault, compared to 28% for 44 to 64s.

Do people always report crimes to the police?

Reporting crimes to the police is the only way to stop it from happening, but this doesn’t mean people always do. 

From the crime survey, 42% of people who experienced (either victim to or witnessed) a crime either didn't report it, or stopped before completing the report - only marginally less than half of the respondents. This was surprising, considering 81% of people felt locals would contact the police if they had experienced a crime. 

When asked “Why did you not report the crime(s) to the police?”, the most common was feeling that nothing would be done (73%) - regardless of age, gender or region. 

How to report a crime to the police

Depending on the crime you experience, there are multiple ways you can report it to the police. 

If you, or another person, are in immediate physical danger, you should call 999 straight away. Give the dispatcher all the information they need to send a police response as quickly as they can, including: 

• Your name and/or the victim’s name

• Where you are 

• What is happening 

• Identifiable details of the person committing the crime 

If you, or another person, are not in immediate danger, you should contact the police on the non-emergency line. This would be by calling 101. You can also report non-emergency crimes online, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.  We also have a complete guide on how to report a break-in to the police, detailing the key steps you should take after your home is broken into, should you ever need it.

Why do people invest in home security?

Home security systems can not only capture footage of crime when it happens, but it can also act as a tool to deter crime. 

When respondents were asked, the most common reason they had for investing (or thinking of investing) in home security were crime rates increasing (41%) and experiencing a crime in the last year (38%). Of the home security options available, respondents were more inclined to use external security lighting (60%) - also known as porch light security - over others. 

SimpliSafe home security systems

At SimpliSafe, our goal is to help you feel more secure at home. From panic buttons and professional monitoring, to sensors, cameras and house alarms, we have all the tools and features you need to to build a home security system that helps to make your property feel like the sanctuary it should. 

Whether you’re interested in a bespoke home security system, adding to your current system or looking for helpful guides on home safety and security, we’re here to help. Explore our full range of products, or contact our friendly team today for expert advice.