Reticent English look out for neighbours

The English have a reputation for being introverts, but they look out for their neighbours, new research reveals.

The Barclays Insurance Services research found that 97 per cent of British residents say they pay attention to suspicious behaviour around neighbours' property while they are away.

Three-quarters (74 per cent) of respondents said they would call the police on the back of suspicious behaviour and 23 per cent said they would intervene directly if the situation warranted it in order to protect their neighbours.

In contrast, only two per cent said they turn a blind eye to suspicious behaviour in the vicinity of their neighbours' property.

"We have some very brave neighbours who are 'have a go neighbourly heroes,'" said Adrian Grace, managing director of Barclays Insurance Services.

"So it appears to be a modern myth that there is a lack of community spirit ? we just don?t talk about it," he added.

However, he urged people to "put aside their British reserve" and inform their neighbours when they are going on holiday, as well as ensuring you have adequate insurance cover.

"Don?t just rely on just your neighbours to keep an eye on your property," he said.
The study also revealed that only a third of people would trust their neighbour enough to give them a house key when they go away.

Click here for great home insurance deals from MORE TH>N