Crime concerns drive purchases of copies

The survey¹ of 250 HNW individuals found an increase in concerns over their safety compared to last year’s findings.

More than three in four of the respondents (77%) said they were more concerned about crime, with almost a quarter (74%) saying they were more concerned about their family’s safety than ever before, and almost half (45%) believing themselves and their family are a target for criminals.

Worryingly, over half (54%) of those responding said they had experienced an increase in crime in the last year – a three-year high.

Those who said they had been victims of crime said they had experienced increased anxiety (49%), while almost a third (31%) said they didn’t feel safe in their homes afterwards.

For the respondents who had experienced crime, the vast majority (96%) had made changes – including increasing their sums insured limits (44%), hiring additional security (43%), commissioning a review of the security in place (33%), and changing their own routines (32%).

Over half (53%) said they had added additional security measures as a result of being a victim of crime.

CCTV systems (60%), security lighting (44%), intruder alarms (43%), security fencing (43%), upgraded locks for doors/windows (40%) and safes (28%) have been the most popular prevention measures installed.

Dependent on the value, Ecclesiastical's risk management team requires the use of safes to securely store high-value items when not being used. Safes selected should be suitable for the maximum value likely to be held in them, certified to meet the European safe standard, and installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Another way collectors have sought to protect their collections is through the purchase of replica items - using them as decoys to protect real items.

The research discovered that over two-thirds (68%) have purchased replicas during the past 12 months, with more than two in five (44%) saying they had intentionally purchased replicas. This was down compared to 2023, when more than half (51%) said they had deliberately bought copies.

Items including whisky, trainers, paintings, handbags, and diamonds have all seen an increase in fakes being purchased compared to 2024.

The survey found that half (48%) had unknowingly purchased counterfeits during the past year. They discovered their items were counterfeit by finding out from others with expertise, noticing the poor quality, or reviewing the details themselves.

More than three-quarters (78%) of all those surveyed felt they needed to do more to improve the security in their homes, with almost three in four (73%) saying they would benefit from more guidance from their insurer or broker.

Ecclesiastical is encouraging brokers to refer to its ‘Target Identified’ guidance developed with Blackstone Consultancy and speak to their high-net-worth clients about how best to protect themselves and their households.

Sarah Willoughby, Art & Private Client Business Director at Ecclesiastical, said: “With ongoing economic instability and continuing cost-of-living crisis, those who have more to lose are becoming a greater target for criminals.

“Our latest research shows more than half of high-net-worth individuals were victims of a crime in the past year, and three-quarters are more concerned about crime today than last year.

“Brokers play an important role in helping high-net-worth clients understand the risks they are facing and in ensuring they have the right cover and protection in place. We hope our guidance will help brokers speak to their clients about how they can best protect themselves.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help high-net-worth clients manage the risks they face, including a webinar with the specialist insurer’s risk management experts.

¹ The research was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by BVA BDRC. Online interviews were carried out in June 2025 with 250 UK high net worth individuals with an income of at least £200,000 per annum or liquid assets of at least £1 million.