Insurance
How to beat the burglars ahead of Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night and, to a lesser extent, Halloween are prime nights for burglars to strike as people leave their homes to attend events and parties.
According to Aviva, fire and theft home claims soared by up to 160 per cent during the festivities last year, so it is urging people to take extra care to protect their homes as the double-whammy of seasonal celebrations looms.
The research also found that 40 per cent of UK residents don’t check whether windows are locked before they leave the house and 29 per cent don’t check their doors.
Adam Beckett, general insurance product director for Aviva UK, said: “This is a brilliant time of year for celebrations, but as the clocks go back and the nights get longer, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for burglars. The calendar is packed with social events, meaning homes are often left empty as people celebrate, while the cover of darkness gives thieves an added advantage. Sadly our claims data bears this out as we see more burglaries during this season.
“Prevention is better than the cure and there are a number of simple steps people can take to protect their homes when they’re out enjoying the festivities. By thinking ahead and staying vigilant, people can beat the bad ‘guy’ and leave their homes without feeling ‘spooked’.”