That makes 21% of British households that have faced a total bill of £1.4bn bill, or £273 per affected property, at the end of Halloween and Bonfire night.

The most common cause of damage, which has affected 2.m, 10%, British homes, is eggs being thrown.

Around 1.5m (6%) households have also had their garden plants and fencesdamaged or removed.

Property damage due to fireworks and sparklers (3%), hosting a house party (2%) and items posted through letter boxes (2%) has also contributed to the nation’s colossal ‘mischief week’ repair bill.

Richard Al-Dabbagh, Santander Insurance, said: “Halloween and Bonfire night should be about light-hearted family fun, but unfortunately this can often bring with it accidents and anti-social behavior.

“Much of the damage that occurs during mischief week is the result of seemingly harmless pranks like egg throwing, but the research also highlights an alarmingly high incidence of petty crime and threatening behavior.”

2% of Britons – equivalent to almost one million people – have been attacked by people using fireworks as weapons.

Those living in Yorkshire and the Humber have suffered the most damage to their homes, with 15 per cent of residents in the region having fallen victim to vandalism in the past.

Al-Dabbagh continued: “These are annual traditions that the public should be able to enjoy without feeling their home or personal wellbeing is under threat, but this doesn’t change the fact that the risk of crime and accidents is elevated during ‘mischief week’.

“We would advise all homeowners to make sure that the main entrances to their homes are secure, and to make the property look occupied, even if it isn’t.

“For peace of mind and to minimise the inconvenience if any damage is caused, we also urge people to keep their property and possessions protected with comprehensive home insurance.”