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Research carried out by Ecclesiastical has highlighted anti-social pressures for heritage as \u2018Nine in 10 report experiencing crime during the past 12 months\u2019.<\/h3>\nResearch carried out by Ecclesiastical has highlighted anti-social pressures for heritage as \u2018Nine in 10 report experiencing crime during the past 12 months\u2019.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Ecclesiastical writes:<\/p>\n
New research\u2026.commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed heritage organisations are a prime target for vandals as a third (32%) were defaced by graffiti during the past 12 months, up 9% on the previous year\u2026.<\/p>\n
The survey of 500 heritage decision makers found a third (32%) suffered anti-social behaviour, up 3%, and three in 10 (30%) reported experiencing verbal abuse towards staff and volunteers from visitors, up 4%.<\/p>\n
In April\u2026.vandals spray-painted graffiti on walls, flagstone floors, and a historic fountain in Linlithgow Palace in Scotland.<\/p>\n
Overall, nine in 10 (90%) heritage organisations have experienced crime during the past 12 months, down slightly by 1% on the previous year\u2026.<\/p>\n
Crime is a top concern for heritage organisations, six in 10 (57%) are expecting an increase in crime over the next year, and seven in 10 (69%) are more concerned about crime than ever before.<\/p>\n
The research discovered the majority (94%) of heritage organisations have had to deal with challenging visitor behaviour during the past year. Almost half (46%) suffered littering, up 12% on the previous year5<\/sup>, and 46% suffered rude or aggressive behaviour from visitors towards staff or volunteers, up 5%.<\/p>\n The majority (95%) of heritage organisations are taking proactive steps to prevent crime. The top security investments made during the past 12 months were CCTV (58%), security guards and patrols (47%), and alarms (44%).<\/p>\n However, the research found heritage organisations are reviewing their crime and security risks less frequently\u2026., and two thirds (68%) believe their organisation needs to do more to prevent crime.<\/p>\n Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: \u201cAs the UK\u2019s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we\u2019re passionate about protecting Britain\u2019s heritage. Our research shows heritage organisations are a prime target for criminals and it is concerning to see that graffiti and anti-social behaviour has increased. There are a number of measures heritage organisations can take to better secure property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection. Reviewing perimeter security arrangements, ensuring entry points are well lit and secured can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera.\u201d<\/p>\n Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance<\/a> to help heritage organisations manage the risks they face.<\/p>\n