Britain’s heritage attractions suffer rise in graffiti, anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse

New research¹ commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed heritage organisations are a prime target for vandals as a third (32%) were defaced by graffiti during the past 12 months, up 9% on the previous year².

The survey of 500 heritage decision makers found a third (32%) suffered anti-social behaviour, up 3%, and three in 10 (30%) reported experiencing verbal abuse towards staff and volunteers from visitors, up 4%.

In April³, vandals spray-painted graffiti on walls, flagstone floors, and a historic fountain in Linlithgow Palace in Scotland.

Overall, nine in 10 (90%) heritage organisations have experienced crime during the past 12 months, down slightly by 1% on the previous year⁴.

Crime is a top concern for heritage organisations, six in 10 (57%) are expecting an increase in crime over the next year, and seven in 10 (69%) are more concerned about crime than ever before.

The research discovered the majority (94%) of heritage organisations have had to deal with challenging visitor behaviour during the past year. Almost half (46%) suffered littering, up 12% on the previous year⁵, and 46% suffered rude or aggressive behaviour from visitors towards staff or volunteers, up 5%.

The majority (95%) of heritage organisations are taking proactive steps to prevent crime. The top security investments made during the past 12 months were CCTV (58%), security guards and patrols (47%), and alarms (44%).

However, the research found heritage organisations are reviewing their crime and security risks less frequently⁶, and two thirds (68%) believe their organisation needs to do more to prevent crime.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage. Our research shows heritage organisations are a prime target for criminals and it is concerning to see that graffiti and anti-social behaviour has increased. There are a number of measures heritage organisations can take to better secure property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection. Reviewing perimeter security arrangements, ensuring entry points are well lit and secured can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help heritage organisations manage the risks they face.

¹ The survey was commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical and conducted by OnePoll with 500 decision makers from UK heritage organisations from 4 – 11 July 2023. The sample included 100 museums, 100 theatres, 100 castles, 100 stately homes and 100 galleries.

² The survey was commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical and conducted by OnePoll with 500 decision makers from UK heritage organisations from 29 July – 16 August 2022. The sample included 100 museums, 100 theatres, 100 castles, 100 stately homes and 100 galleries.

³Vandals cause graffiti damage at Linlithgow Palace - BBC News

⁴ In 2022, 91% of heritage organisations experienced crime during the past 12 months.

⁵ In 2022, 34% experienced littering and 41% rude or aggressive behaviour from visitors towards staff or volunteers.

⁶ How frequently organisations assess crime and security risks: