Halloween and Bonfire Night create lucrative opportunities for thieves so knowing your insurance rights and taking precautions to protect your home are vital.
With the clocks due to go back on 30 October marking the end of British Summer Time, we’ll see longer nights over the coming months.
Unfortunately, this is good news for thieves who emerge in the winter under the cover of darkness.
The end of October and start of November are particularly fruitful weeks for burglars as they look to take advantage of big events to catch out unsuspecting households across the country.
According to insurance company AXA, cases of theft and attempted theft surge by up to 50 per cent on nights such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Stay protected from thieves
Due to this spike in crime it’s especially important to take steps to ensure you and your home are properly protected.
Having home contents insurance is of primary importance. Otherwise you’ll be forced to cover the cost of any loss or damage as a result of burglary, for example, out of your own pocket.
Tips to keep thieves away
- Install outdoor lighting as this gives potential burglars less places to hide
- Lock your windows and doors even if you’re in
- Don’t leave keys hidden outside, near the door or anywhere easily accessible from the door
- Get an alarm system fitted as it’s likely to deter thieves
It’s also worth being wary of distraction burglars. These criminals use a seemingly honest cause to gain entry to a homes before stealing items while the occupant is distracted.
Bogus callers could invalidate your home insurance and some home insurance providers won’t pay out for theft unless there is proof of forced entry, meaning opening the door to these criminals could leave you unprotected.
To be safe, double-check what cover your policy provides and be extra cautious about letting strangers into your home.
For more pointers on keeping your home and possessions safe read our guide to making your home burglar proof.
Vandalism woes
It’s also key to keep an eye out for vandalism during the spooky season as insurers report more claims for damage to cars and homes on Halloween.
Malicious damage and fires should be covered as standard on your buildings insurance, and on your car insurance providing you have a policy covering third party, fire and theft, but it pays to take care to avoid the expense and stress of having to make a claim.
Popular claims around this period are for smashed windows and damage to doors and garden property.
Although many police forces will increase their patrols during this period, here are some things you can do yourself to reduce the risk to your property.
- Park the car in a garage for the night
- Move garden ornaments and any other items out of sight, perhaps in a locked garage or shed
- Leave on lights, the radio or television when you’re out to make it appear as if someone is in
- Ensure sheds, garages and other out-buildings have robust locks
- Don’t answer the door to trick or treaters if you don’t feel comfortable doing so and place a note or poster, such as this one from Gloucestershire police, on your door if you do not wish to have any visitors on Halloween.
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