Britons 'feel unsafe in deserted country lanes at night'

22/04/2009

Almost half of Britons do not feel safe when walking through a deserted country lane in the night-time, research has suggested, which may hint that more security gates are needed in rural areas.

The Halifax Home Insurance Peace of Mind Campaign's Home Is Where Our Hearts Are report revealed that 47 per cent of respondents from inner cities and the suburbs said they thought walking through city streets at night is safer than going through a deserted country lane.

Meanwhile, 67 per cent of those in more rural locations claimed walking through city streets would not be as safe as a countryside lane - perhaps suggesting that more gates are needed in city areas too.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said that "wherever the surroundings, people need to be aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves in and about their home".

A survey from esure home insurance recently revealed that 69 per cent of homeowners have never considered improving security in their gardens.