The Inside Edge
Moving to a safe neighbourhood?
The winter months are traditionally a quiet time of year for house moves, but if you are planning to relocate in 2013 now’s the time to start your research. There are so many elements that factor into making a place a desirable one in which to live – good schools, leisure facilities, transport links and security and community spirit.
Moving to a new area can be unnerving when you don’t know your way around, or any of the locals, as such security can be one consideration. Rushing into a move without exploring the neighbourhood or wider region could lead you to feel less than settled when you move in and in some of the worst cases, land you with a property that you are unable to sell on in the future. So, what kind of checks can you make to ensure you are moving into a safe neighbourhood?
In the first instance you can check the Policeuk website. Here you’ll find local crime statistics by street or area, so you’ll be able to identify if you are moving into a particularly troublesome neighbourhood. You can also find out what type of crimes are being committed in the area so that you can be prepared. For example, should there be a high instance of car break-ins you might concentrate your property search on homes with secure garages or if there have been a spate of burglaries, you could install a monitored alarm system.
This recently published interactive graphic from security specialists ADT is also a useful tool. It uses the firm’s statistics to show where and when their monitored alarms go off and highlights problem areas and times.
Of course, there are very few communities that remain completely crime-free and many good areas do suffer crime problems. Be sure to visit properties during the day and evening to get a more accurate feel for the area. Chat to neighbours and call into local shops to find out whether current residents are happy and friendly and ultimately help you decide whether it’s a community you’d like to be part of.
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I live in a village where we had a local Bobby in the past. These days I never see any police presence.
We need to get back to how policing was done before, a visible bobby walking the streets. These PTO officers are just not working.
You can’t beat having a good relationship with your neighbours. I’ve recently moved out of London to a small market town. I now exchange Christmas cards with almost everyone in the street, the neighbours look after my cat when I am away and we take in each other’s post if we’re out. The result is a much safer community.