Axa warns brokers on criminal gangs targeting vacant commercial properties

Warning sign

Axa UK has urged brokers to make sure customers are vigilant about criminal gangs targeting empty commercial properties as the insurer has seen a steep rise in the problem in recent months.

The provider noted while the issue has been gradually increasing over the past five years there has been an unusually high spike in criminal activity in the past three months.

It listed fly tipping, vandalism and theft reports from sites across the country, resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage.

Fly tipping

Dougie Barnett, director of customer risk management at Axa Commercial said: “It’s concerning to see a rise in criminal activity at vacant sites, both in terms of the number of

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk.

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Insurance Age? View our subscription options

Register

Sign up and gain access to five complimentary news articles every month.

Already have an account? Sign in here

Interview: Bob Pybus, CEO of AUB UK Retail

Having been named CEO of AUB UK Retail last September, Bob Pybus reflects on his route to the role, tells Insurance Age about the deals struck so far and shares his plans to grow to a £1bn business.

Biba 2025 Countdown: FullCircl’s Ashleigh Gwilliam

Director of insurance industry growth at FullCircl and a member of the Biba Insurance Technology and Innovation Committee, Ashleigh Gwilliam, on ‘fearlessly defending’ his most conference steps title, the case for business cards and why Oasis’ ‘Supersonic’ perfectly encapsulates the event.

Partners& strikes pair of deals

Partners& has bought Glasgow-based Blackford Group and Directors & Professionals, a commercial broker in Tunbridge Wells, in its first deals of 2025.

Broking Success: Pipeline of talent

CJ Insurance, specialists in close protection, security and defence has a pipeline of talent through the business, according to managing director James Clarke, as he targets doubling its size over the next five years.

Biba 2025 Countdown: Earnix UK’s Andrew How

As Biba 2025 approaches, Earnix UK Insurance director Andrew How recommends attendees keep an open mind, suggests how regional brokers can compete effectively in the New Era and is looking forward to tasting the delights of a local tap room.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have an Insurance Age account, please register now.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an indvidual account here: