Act fast: compensation claims for criminal damage in Northern Ireland

By Ann Isaacs, Sean McGahan, Stephen Gorman and Michael McCabe

Published 18 June 2026

Overview

Under the Criminal Damage (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, compensation from the Secretary of State may be available where property in Northern Ireland is unlawfully, maliciously or wantonly damaged, subject to statutory conditions and exclusions.

Potential claimants should be reminded of the very short statutory time limit for serving notice of intention of filing claims under the Order.

Scope of compensable damage

The Order provides compensation for certain categories of malicious or unlawful damage to property, including:

Damage to buildings and other property caused by riotous or unlawful assemblies (three or more persons), or maliciously by persons acting in connection with unlawful associations (including terrorism)
Damage to agricultural property, including buildings, livestock, crops and machinery, where caused maliciously or deliberately
Damage to certain charitable buildings or property
Unlawful removal (theft) of property in qualifying circumstances

10-day notice requirement

A person with an interest in the damaged property must serve a notice of intention to apply for compensation within 10 days of the incident.

Those seeking compensation either need to have the police confirm they believe the damage is linked to terrorism, a riot or tumultuous assembly.

The notice must be served on the appropriate authority and include prescribed details of the loss.

Failure to comply is likely to bar the claim entirely, regardless of merits.

Practical implications for insurers

Early identification of potential qualifying incidents (e.g. riots or paramilitary-related damage) is critical.

Potential claimants should be advised immediately upon notification of the strict 10-day notice requirement.

Claims handling processes should incorporate urgent escalation and diarising protocols to avoid missing the deadline.

DAC Beachcroft can assist with any time-sensitive needs you may have regarding these claims. Please contact one of our expert lawyers below if you would like to discuss a potential claim in more detail.