Use of official statistics on ‘leading cause of homelessness’

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Details of a complaint made to Statistics.Gov.Uk by Property118 reader Owen O’Neil

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to make a complaint about simplification of the context of statistics to the point of misrepresentation that would mislead the public which falls under this duty of your office :-

(III) official statistics in a document or statement are presented in such a way that

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How to deter Burglars

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Thefts from Property:

Landlords have a moral responsibility, if not a legal one to make their tenant’s home as safe and secure as possible from intruders and burglars.

The Office of National Statistics’ website defines a burglar as being someone who “if they enter any building or part of a building as a trespasser and, having done so, steals or attempts to steal anything.�

It’s worth reminding ourselves of this definition because trespassing, breaking-in and entering without authority are themselves key parts of a burglary and crimes themselves, including those which have been featuring heavily in the news lately, including several worrying trends:

• Spree burglaries – where homes in more affluent areas are targeted by criminals. Instead of old-style sprees, which involved many and any houses over a wide area being targeted in an opportunistic way, 2018’s spree burglars target just a handful of more prosperous neighbourhoods, specifically choosing those streets and properties which they think will yield the greatest value spoils for their efforts. These burglars tend to work in groups, spending time in the area ahead of their crimes, identifying suitable properties and checking out the security measures in place. Often one group commits the crime whilst another patrols the area in a car, keeping a lookout.
• Violent burglaries – as the UK national press and BBC have been reporting over recent weeks, burglaries have also resulted in homeowners being hurt and even accused of murder after violent struggles between burglars and individuals trying to protect their property and their families in their own homes.
• Stealth burglars – including the individual dubbed ‘The Night-Watcher’. These are burglars who spend a significant time watching an individual property and waiting before committing a precision and purposeful burglary.

Extent of the problem

But even if you turn off the news, there’s no way to hide from the reality of the statistics which have already shown the increase in such crimes:

• Both Hertfordshire Police and the Metropolitan Police reveal a 21% year-on-year increase in reported burglaries (as reported in The Telegraph).
• Police statistics for England and Wales show reported burglaries increased by 6% in the year 2016-2017.
• Home office statistics for the year to June 2017 identified that almost 80% of home burglaries are unlikely to be solved.
• Areas of Derby and South East London have been particularly noted as suffering from this recent rise in rates of burglary and home invasion.

Information supports prevention

Alarming though such information and statistics can be, there’s no doubt that having information about what’s going on can support efforts to prevent problems. Checking out the local crime statistics in your area can be a way of seeing if your own home or business premises is particularly at risk in some way. Rapidly increasing numbers for certain types of thefts can also help you to identify if spree burglaries are starting to come into the area.

The Police.uk website offers a useful online tool where submitting your postcode brings up a map. Clicking the ‘explore’ button allows you to see the types of crime being committed in the area each month.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that:

• The information offered is limited to reported crimes so may not show all crimes such as attempted break-ins which are not always even noticed, let alone reported.
• Not all reported crimes result are recorded and investigated, especially those deemed ‘low value’ by police (as reported in the Independent).
• Nine out of ten burglaries reported remain unsolved and less than 10% of stolen good are recovered (Huffington Post).

What’s your risk of burglary?

Checking the tool above can help you to identify the number of reported burglaries in the local area generally. This knowledge will give you a context for carrying out a security survey of your property or premises, to help you identify any particular vulnerabilities your property has.

For example, if there have been several burglaries in the area lately, and your access points have only basic locks, no motion-sensor lighting or alarm system, this may mean your property is at risk through lack of deterrent.

How to deter burglars

But what can you do to actually deter burglars? The simple answer is to use security measures which both make your property less of an easy target and increase the risk potential burglars might face of getting caught.

According to ex-criminals in a Co-op Insurance report, CCTV cameras are one of the most effective deterrents. Criminals also indicated that they’re deterred from breaking into properties which have motion-activated security lighting and alarm systems in place.

In fact, 89% of the ex-criminal respondents in the survey identified that one of the major tech innovations in home security – ‘connected’ security systems such as monitored alarms and CCTV – are a significant burglar deterrent. These systems work by providing:

• A visible deterrent, as their presence on a property is noticeable.
• A monitored service which means every alarm trigger is checked and appropriately responded to.
• Means of identification, as CCTV footage can be used to identify burglars. The fact that burglars know they could be identified, even by what they are wearing if their faces are covered, adds to the effectiveness of the deterrent – no one wants to be ‘caught in the act’.
• Recorded footage, which can not only be used to identify burglars but can also provide evidence for prosecution and insurance purposes as required.

For particular advice about protecting all types of property, please contact security specialists SafeSite Facilities.

Additionally, and in areas which could be vulnerable to spree burglaries, the presence of CCTV cameras on several properties across neighbouring streets can add an extra element to ‘neighbourhood watch’ – something which also deters burglars, because it means there’s nowhere to hide. This type of community CCTV also offers a means of keeping an eye on those members of the gang who are themselves ‘keeping watch’ in their vehicles, as they and their vehicle number plates may also be caught on camera.

Other effective deterrents cited in the survey include surrounding fences and secured gates. These security measures not only protect against burglary but also other criminal acts such as trespass, arson, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour taking place on your property.

If the crime statistics in your area indicates any of these types of crimes, then it’s also time to consider protecting your property’s perimeter to create an active deterrent against other potential opportunistic crimes, as well as the act of burglary.

Finally, informing yourself and taking action to deter burglars is relevant whether the property is a commercial premises or a family residence which is occupied or vacant. In fact, securing a vacant property, such as a property awaiting refurbishment or furnished accommodation awaiting next tenant, is just as important as protecting an occupied one as these too are a target for burglars hoping to remove valuable materials such as metals.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – How to deter Burglars | LandlordZONE.

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Paragon HMO application?

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Dear Property 118ters, I would appreciate your advice on a property purchase deal.

The property is currently set up as 5 bedroom family house in greater London and is feasible to convert into 6 bed HMO. The house is not HMO compliant at present and will fire safety installation to make it compliance followed by HMO licence application.

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Bank of England – Base Rate not moving

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Breaking News:

Angus Stewart, Chief Executive of online broker, Property Master commenting on today’s news from the Monetary Policy Committee that the base rate would not be increasing said:

“It does seem as if we have been marched up the hill somewhat by speculation that base would move today but the decision to hold will be received by landlords with a breath of relief.�

Mr Stewart continued:

“Our recent Mortgage Tracker research showed that there are some good deals out there for landlords looking to remortgage or expand their portfolios.  We found that average five-year fixed rates have fallen since the start of the year despite all the speculation around base rate.  Typical savings ranged from £5 to £15 per month.  A number of two-year fixed rates had also fallen.�

Buy-to-let rates have fallen since the start of this year despite base rate rise speculation.

The cost of a typical five-year fixed rate buy-to-let mortgage has fallen since the start of the year despite speculation that at some point the Bank of England will increase base rates again according to a new Mortgage Tracker launched today by Property Master, the digital start up that uses algorithms to match the requirements of individual private landlords against the entire buy-to-let mortgage market of some 2,000 plus products.

Property Master’s Mortgage Tracker also revealed that two-year fixed rates based on 65% of the value of the property and 75% of the value of the property also declined from January to May 1st of this year.  Only two-year fixed rate mortgages for 50% of the value of a buy-to-let property increased over the five-month period and then by 0.42%.  Angus Stewart, Chief Executive of Property Master says, “This is quite a significant increase and perhaps reflects that there are fewer lenders discriminating at the 50% LTV level.  Lenders are clearly taking margin here and giving back on other LTV levels.�

Savings on a five-year fixed rate buy-to-let interest only mortgage on a typical property worth £180,000 ranged from £5 to £15 per month and on some two-year fixed rates from £10 to £15 a month.

“Our findings show that there are some very good deals out there for landlords despite worries over any future increase in base rates.  The Monetary Policy Committee meets again this coming Thursday (May 10th) so we will see what happens then but there may be other factors operating in the buy-to-let market which explains the decline in costs that we have seen,� said Angus Stewart, Chief Executive of Property Master.

Mr Stewart continued: “Our findings come on the back of recent research revealing that the number of buy-to-let products currently on the market has reached a record high[i], so it could be that we are seeing landlords benefiting from unprecedented competition amongst lenders for their business.  This is very good news indeed.�

The Property Master Mortgage Tracker follows a range of buy-to-let mortgages for an interest only loan on a typical £180,000 worth property.  Rates from 18 of some of the biggest lenders in the market including Barclays, NatWest, RBS, the TSB and Virgin money and BM Solutions (full list below) were tracked.

Property Master was launched almost a year ago and aims to shake up the current buy-to-let mortgage market currently served by around 12,000 mortgage brokers.  It has already attracted financial backing from a broad range of private investors including a minority stake being taken by LSL Property Services, whose estate and letting agency brands include Your Move and Reeds Rains.

Property Master recently concluded a successful round of crowdfunding through the Seedrs site.  Property Master is automating what was a manual, complex process to provide landlords with a free easy to use mortgage search tool which provides a mortgage quote that’s pre-screened against each lender’s specific criteria.  Over 10,000 landlords have already tried the service and a typical re-mortgage saving is around £1,800.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Bank of England – Base Rate not moving | LandlordZONE.

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Minimum room size plans ‘fundamentally flawed’ says RLA

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The Government’s impact assessment into plans to introduce minimum room sizes are ‘fundamentally flawed’, with the RLA warning that unless the shortcomings are addressed the regulations are open to challenge by judicial review. As of October this year, a national minimum bedroom size will be introduced for all licensed HMOs, in a bit to tackle overcrowding, with […]

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Fifth Anniversary of the National Landlord Investment Show

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Landlord Show:

Yes, it’s five years since the National Landlord Investment Show got started in Croydon, South London.

Meet the founders of the National Landlord Investment Show

Q&A with Tracey and Steve Hanbury

As the National Landlord Investment Show prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary at Aston Villa Football Club on Wednesday May 16th, it’s time to meet the people behind the shows to find out what makes them tick.

The Midlands event taking place on May 16th marks five years to the day that the first National Landlord Investment Show took place in Croydon, South London in 2013.

Ahead of the fifth birthday celebrations and another jam-packed show, Tracey and Steve Hanbury, directors of the ‎National Landlord Investment Show and Landlord Investor Magazine, tell us all about how the shows started, their long-term involvement in the property market and provide some useful advice for landlords…

Q: What’s your background and why did you decide to launch the National Landlord Investment Show?

Tracey: “I started my career in advertising back in 1997 and worked for Trinity Newspaper Group. I then went on to work for a publishing company and sold portfolio advertising solutions across magazines such as OK! and Sainsbury’s.�

“I then landed a job as an international sales executive for an American company and travelled all over the world, working on a portfolio of magazines and trade exhibitions across the telecoms sector.�

“Steve and I meet at a marketing company back in 2002 and so the journey began…�

Steve: “I worked for a marketing and telecoms company heading up sales. I then went on to work for Countrywide as an estate agent. In 2011, I went into property full-time with my Dad and then Tracey and I launched the shows in 2013.�

Tracey: “We started the National Landlord Investment Show as a regional show after seeing a huge gap in the market where we could offer landlords a great event that would help them grow and retain their portfolios.�

“We chose buy-to-let hotspots throughout the UK and then set up the shows in these locations. We looked at our own experience of being fairly new into the market place and thought it would be a great idea to provide a platform where new and seasoned landlords could attend a one-day event in their area, providing them with the opportunity to meet with leading suppliers and attend seminars to gain valuable information.�

Steve: “Since then, we have grown into a national company, running our events in major cities. This includes three events per year at London Olympia, each attracting over 4,000 UK portfolio landlords. We also take our events to Manchester, Cardiff, Liverpool and still run some regional shows.

Q: Have you always been interested in the property market?

Steve: “I have been brought up around property my whole life. My dad, Les Hanbury, has been a landlord for over 40 years. I spent a lot of time going to properties with my dad, helping him strip them out and getting them ready for rental. We attended many auctions and I got the buzz for property at a young age.�

Q: How has the market changed since you started the National Landlord Investment Show?

Tracey: “We launched the shows in May 2013 and we have seen a huge amount of change during this time, most notably increased government intervention in the rental sector.�

“Some of the biggest changes that have occurred while we have been running the shows are the introduction of the Right to Rent scheme, the 3% stamp duty surcharge on additional properties and the gradual phasing out of buy-to-let mortgage interest tax relief.�

Steve: “It’s industry changes like these that make the shows even more important. Landlords need somewhere to go to gain advice, keep updated about what’s going on and speak to other landlords in a similar position.�

Q: Are you landlords? What type of properties do you own?

Tracey: “We are landlords and this part of the business we run with Steve’s dad, Les. We purchased our first House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in East Croydon back in 2004.�

Steve: “As a family portfolio, our properties range from three to four-bedroom properties which are let to the private sector and we also let out through various council schemes in areas such as Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham and Sutton.�

Tracey: “We have also ventured into the Build to Rent market and this is headed up by our brother-in-law, who is currently in the final stages of a five four-bedroom house development in Kent.�

Q: What is the best thing about being a landlord?

Tracey: “Hopefully building a bright future for our families and providing good property for our tenants.�

Q: What is your one piece of advice for landlords starting out?

Steve: “Make sure you do your due diligence. Check everything like transport links and local schools. Is the area a good regeneration area that will be more profitable in the future? Seek professional advice, attend events like ours where you can meet with reputable suppliers and attend invaluable seminars.�

Q: Birmingham is fast becoming a buy-to-let hotspot. What opportunities does it offer investors?

Tracey: “Birmingham has quietly been becoming one of the UK’s best investor hotspots in recent years. This is down to a number of factors, including huge regeneration, affordable property prices, growing employment opportunities and ever-increasing rental demand.�

“Ahead of the show, we’ve taken a closer look at Birmingham and what it has to offer in our article ‘Here’s why Birmingham has become a buy-to-let hotspot’.â€�

Q: What is the most challenging part of your day-to-day job?

Tracey: “Steve and I have organised 56 events since our launch in 2013 and also launched this magazine back in 2014. Working in events and publishing is not for the faint-hearted and we have to make sure that we are super organised. Our day-to-day can involve client meetings, marketing schedules, sales meetings and much more!�

Steve: “As event organisers, it is our job to ensure that we have the correct type of exhibitors at our events, engaging speakers and also attract an audience of UK portfolio landlords. Our daily schedule is jam-packed and with two boys aged 14 and 11, you can imagine there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done! That being said, we absolutely love what we do and would not change it for the world.�

Q: What can landlords learn from attending the National Landlord Investment Show?

Tracey: “The shows are all about getting out there and seeing what is going on in the industry. Things change so quickly that it’s vital for landlords to stay one step ahead.�

Steve: “We aim to put on a varied programme which includes exhibitors, seminars and expert advice to cater to all needs. We’ve also found that it can be difficult for landlords to interact with each other, learn from one another’s mistakes and make friends with people in a similar situation. The National Landlord Investment provides the platform for this and we look forward to the next five years of shows across the country.�

For more information, visit: https://www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/midlandsshow

The latest issue of the Landlord Investor Magazine is available here

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Fifth Anniversary of the National Landlord Investment Show | LandlordZONE.

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10 More Section 24 Campaign Billboards To Be Erected Soon

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Property118 campaigner David Heard has reported that he has secured a deal to get 10 extra billboards erected for just £3,000. This figure includes printing, pasting and rental of advertising space for two weeks.

This will be a fantastic boost for the campaign and will doubtless raise its profile and the funding of more billboards as well as local press coverage in the areas they appear in.

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HMRC issue warning over tax refund scammers

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HMRC are warning that fraudsters are sending scam emails and text messages that promise tax rebates to trick people into disclosing their account and personal details. Fraudsters are using email and text messages to scam people out of their savings, and HMRC is urging people to stay vigilant. Currently, the tax authority is processing tax […]

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Return on Investment or Capital Employed Formula?

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Hi all, I’m new to this website and I have a question. What is the formula you use for return on investment/return on capital employed/rental yield? Would you mind sharing?

I just need a couple of baseline formulas to get me started.

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Resolution measures?

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The resolution body have announced several measures. One of these is to give every 25 year old 10,000. This means that a couple of 25 year olds will have 20,000 towards a deposit on a house.

Wonderful, this means that FTB houses just went up by 20,000 each!

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