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Lancashire Times
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1:00 AM 31st October 2024
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A Third Of Over-50s Fall Foul Of Halloween Related Anti-Social Behaviour

 
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The latest research from over-50s property company Regency Living, has found that 85% of over-50s feel more anxious during the Halloween period, with a third having previously been a victim of anti-social behaviour within their own home.

Statistics show that crime levels across the nation tend to spike in the summer and autumn months and anti-social behaviour associated with Halloween, in particular, has become a major issue in many communities.

In fact, an analysis of UK crime statistics, conducted by the company, shows that over the last decade, the level of crime reported during the month of October sits some 4.5% above the average monthly level reported throughout the rest of the year.

Over this 10 years, an average of 125,460 cases of anti-social behaviour alone have been reported during the month October and so it’s no surprise that a survey of over-50s, commissioned by Regency Living*, found that 85% feel more anxious than usual during the Halloween period.

35% of respondents said they live alone which can make Halloween a particularly daunting time of year and just over one in 10 (11%) choose not to spend Halloween at home at all.

When asked what makes Halloween a more worrying time of year, the top answer was the number of strangers knocking on their door whilst trick or treating, whilst falling victim to anti-social behaviour such as egging ranked second, followed by the increased likelihood of witnessing anti-social behaviour whilst out and about.

The good news is that just one in 10 (9%) have witnessed such behaviour whilst out and about in their local communities, however, a third (34%) stated that they have fallen foul of anti-social behaviour whilst in their own home.

What’s more, only around one in 10 (9%) have a community watch or similar initiative within their area to help combat the issue of anti-social behaviour.

Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, Tim Simmons commented:
“Halloween can be a daunting time for many, but the over-50s can feel especially vulnerable, particularly those who live alone.

"It’s hardly surprising given the increased level of crime seen in October and the anti-social behaviour that is associated with Halloween and it’s sad to see that a third have been the victim of such acts whilst in their own home.

"Unfortunately, just one in 10 have the support of a community group to rely on and this can leave them feeling isolated.

"The support of the wider community is certainly one aspect of the park home lifestyle that draws many over-50s to downsize to a residential park home. Not only is there already an established community of like-minded individuals sharing the same stage of life, but the vast majority of residential park homes are gated communities. As a result, crime levels are extremely low throughout the year, but this peace of mind is particularly reassuring during a time like Halloween.”