Tricks not treats & remember remember the 5th of November

Norwich Union is warning home and car owners to be vigilant against malicious damage to their homes this Halloween, as the traditional fun of trick or treating is likely to be overshadowed by senseless and spiteful vandalism.

Ten years of claims data from Norwich Union, part of Aviva, shows that malicious damage to homes increases by 150% on October 31, compared to an average day. Halloween is also one of the worst days of the year for damage to cars, with 52% more claims than a normal day.

And the average cost of damage is around £500 for property and nearly £1,000 for motor claims.

The top five malicious damage claims at Halloween are:

Smashed windows - objects such as milk bottles, stones and even pumpkins, thrown through windows

Damage to doors - including glass breakage and damage caused by attempted forced entry

Vandalism to vehicles - mainly affecting aerials, wing mirrors and windscreens. In extreme cases cars are set on fire

Food fighting - eggs, flour and other ingredients for mindless destruction thrown at property. In some more severe incidents, food is replaced by paint, causing even more devastation

Damage to garden property - including wheelie bin fires, damage to gates and fences, garden walls knocked down and plant pots broken

The number of claims for motor theft also increases on Halloween, with 23% more claims compared to an average day.

REMEMBER REMEMBER 5th NOVEMBER

But after Halloween comes another insurance hot spot of the year.

Norwich Union claims data reveals that Bonfire Night is the

Worst day of the year for burglaries - they rise by over a quarter (27%)

Worst day of the year for car theft - an increase of 24% compared to an average day.

And when it comes to damage to your home and car Bonfire Night is the second worst day of the year after Halloween.

The number of malicious damage claims to property doubles compared to an average day.
Malicious damage to cars increases by 50%

Not surprisingly, Bonfire Night is also one of the worst days of the year for fire claims with 50% more than on an average day.

Paul Redington, claims manager at Norwich Union said, "Halloween and Bonfire night should be enjoyed by all, but unfortunately these dates are also now associated with mindless damage to people's property and cars.

"Simple things like putting away any garden ornaments or plants pots and popping your car in the garage will help to reduce the chances of your property being the subject of a potentially costly ‘trick'."

"And bonfire night gives the perfect cover to opportunist thieves - darkness and noise. So keep some lights on if you're out for the night and check the obvious - make sure all windows and doors are locked and all out buildings are secured.

"Obviously home and motor insurance is there to provide cover in the event of a claim, but clearly the more we can all do to avoid the trauma and hassle in the first place, the better."

Top tricks to avoid being targeted by criminals:

Put the car in the garage or tucked out of the way for the night

Move any garden ornaments, potted plants or bikes from the front or side of your house and out of sight

Don't feel you have to answer your door, to trick or treaters, if you don't want to.

Leave the radio and the odd light on when you're out during the winter to give the appearance of someone being home

Ensure sheds, garages and other out-buildings have robust locks

If you enjoying a firework party in the garden, make sure your front doors and windows are shut and locked

And of course follow all the usual safety precautions when dealing with fire or fireworks