Aviva is warning homeowners to beware of Halloween hooliganism and bonfire night burglaries. Recent data shows that the week from 30 October to 5 November generally sees a rise in burglaries.
Research conducted by the insurer with 16 police forces across the UK found that the week from 30 October to 5 November last year saw an average increase in reported burglaries of 26% compared with the weekly average for the rest of the year. The highest increase was in Strathclyde where police saw an increase of 57% in reported burglaries for that week compared with their weekly average for the rest of the year. This is supported by ten years of Aviva claims data which shows a 28% increase in burglary claims on Bonfire Night, making it the worst night of the year for break-ins.
Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva says :”Shorter days present more opportunities for criminals to work under cover of darkness. On Bonfire Night in particular, many people are out of the house at public displays or at parties and the noise of fireworks provides a distraction and means that suspicious sounds such as smashing glass aren’t heard.”
Halloween also presents a threat to homeowners as tricks take a more sinister turn. Ten years of Aviva claims data shows a rise of 150% in malicious damage claims to the home with damage to cars rising by 50% and car thefts also increasing by 20%. Common Halloween claims include smashed windows, vandalism to vehicles and damage to garden property.
Table 2: Criminal Damage in Halloween 2010
Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva says : “Unfortunately, the combination of darker nights and a mischievous occasion like Halloween or a noisy one like Bonfire Night present too good an opportunity for some criminals to resist. These are real hotspots in the crime calendar when homes and cars can be more at risk than any other time in the year.
“However, simple measures can help to minimise the risk – put the car in the garage if you have one, tidy up any loose garden items or ornaments so they are not used to cause damage and make your house look occupied if you are going out by leaving lights on and of course make sure all doors and windows are securely locked.
“Obviously, theft and malicious damage are covered as standard by your home insurance if the worst does happen, but it’s best to take steps to avoid having the worry of being a victim of crime in the first place.”
Source : Aviva
