Why does youth trespass increase liability for owners?

Trespass raises injury risk on unsafe sites. If hazards are known and controls are weak, owners can face claims. Courts look at steps like fencing, boarding, lighting, signage, and timely inspections. Strong controls and good records show reasonable care, which reduces fault and limits damages if an incident occurs.

How can businesses in Torquay cut insurance cost pressure?

Reduce frequency. Secure doors and roofs, fix lighting, and log weekly checks. Share police incident numbers with your broker, show photos of upgrades, and ask for a post-improvement survey. Compare higher excess options against expected claim counts. If the math nets lower total cost, adopt the larger excess with savings ring-fenced for security.

What should retailers do after staff harassment incidents?

Report to Devon and Cornwall Police, save CCTV clips, and record time, place, and witness details. Offer staff support and adjust rotas or layout to reduce repeat risk. Notify your insurer promptly, even if no injury occurred. Early notice protects cover, helps claims teams act faster, and supports action against repeat offenders.

Do ASB spikes affect property valuation?

Yes. Higher risk can lift premiums and excesses, raise vacancy due to tenant concerns, and increase security capex. These factors compress net operating income and yield. Investors can offset this with fast controls, stronger leases, and clear insurer support. Demonstrated risk reduction helps valuers justify stable cash flows and cap rates.

What records matter most for defending claims?

Keep dated inspection logs, photos of barriers and signs, contractor worksheets, alarm maintenance reports, and copies of police incident references. Store CCTV clips with timestamps. Document staff training and closing routines. Together, these records prove reasonable care, support insurer coverage, and help resolve disputes with lower costs and faster outcomes.

Law and Government

Torquay ASB Spike, February 15: Property Liability, Insurance Risk

ByDanny Kontos February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Torquay is seeing a spike in anti-social behaviour, with police reporting more youth trespass and harassment at derelict sites. For property owners, retailers, and insurers, this raises liability exposure, claim frequency, and security spend. Devon and Cornwall Police activity points to unsafe access and rooftop climbs that increase injury risk. For Australian investors with UK assets or cover, Torquay is a useful signal for regional risk. We set out the legal duties, property insurance risk drivers, and practical steps to protect people, cash flow, and valuations.