Arson
Empty Homes May Result in Higher Crime Rates
Crime Concern and the Empty Homes Agency have joined forces in a bid to combat crime in empty properties.
The two agencies will work in partnership to examine ways in which empty buildings can be managed to reduce the opportunities for crime.
Research carried out by the Empty Homes Agency has shown that a quarter of malicious dwelling fires occur in empty properties.
Erinn Buchanan from the Empty Homes Agency said:
"Empty homes are not just a housing issue. They blight local neighbourhoods, add to the pressure for new development and – as this project recognises – they act as a honeypot for crime."
Crime Concern and the Empty Homes Association will be producing a good practice guide, together with running a series of seminars on reducing the crime problems linked to empty houses.
The research team are particularly interested in hearing about crime problems related to empty homes, including practical examples in your area.
Contact Rosie Chadwick at Crime Concern Tel: 01793 863533 or Erinn Buchanan at the Empty Homes Agency Tel: 020 7828 6288.
Last update: May 2003