Money News

When the clocks go back, criminals come calling

Wednesday 26 October, 2011

By Martin Fagan

Burglary increases 26% between Halloween and Bonfire Night, says Aviva

As British Summertime ends the crime rate rockets, as Halloween hooligans and Bonfire Night burglars emerge to take advantage of the increased hours of darkness, says Aviva.

According to research conducted by the insurance giant with 16 police forces across the UK, the week 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 10 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. The Metropolitan Police said more than 5,000 people were burgled last year because they did not lock their front door.

Halloween also presents a threat to homeowners, as trick or treating take a more sinister turn. Aviva’s 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.

"Shorter days present more opportunities for criminals to work under cover of darkness,” said Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva.

“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 suspicious sounds such as smashing glass aren't heard."

Even though theft and malicious damage are covered as standard by most home insurance policies, Aviva says it's best to take steps to avoid having the worry of being a victim of crime in the first place.

Aviva says these simple measures can help to minimise risks:

• If you have a garage, put the car in it
• Tidy up any loose garden items or ornaments so they cannot be used to cause damage
• Make your house look occupied by leaving lights
• Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked

Photos by Eastlaketimes and ARTS