Tricks, treats and…trouble? Keep your home safe this Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and celebrations, but it’s also a time when anti-social behaviour often increases. Some view it as an opportunity to engage in less-than-friendly activities, such as vandalism, egging houses, or even causing property damage. This can leave homeowners feeling uneasy, especially during dark autumn evenings.

Read on to learn how to protect yourself and your property over Halloween and how home insurance can offer you peace of mind.

Common risks of anti-social behaviour over Halloween

While most trick-or-treaters are harmless, insurers do see an increase in claims arising from some more malevolent activities. Common risks around Halloween include:

·         Vandalism: This can include smashed pumpkins, broken windows, and graffiti on homes.

·         Egging or flour bombing: These seemingly harmless pranks can cause damage to paintwork or brickwork, leading to costly clean-up or repairs.

·         Theft: With more people out and about, especially in areas where homes are decorated and lit up, opportunistic theft can occur.

·         Damage to decorations: If you like to decorate your home for Halloween, these decorations can become targets for vandals.

What steps to take to protect your property

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of anti-social behaviour, there are several precautions you can take to protect your home during Halloween:

1.      Install security lighting

Security lights can deter potential troublemakers. Well-lit areas are less appealing to vandals and opportunists, who prefer working under a cloak of darkness. Motion-activated lights are particularly effective, as they surprise anyone approaching your property.

2.                  Use CCTV or smart doorbells

Installing CCTV cameras or smart doorbells with video recording capabilities can help capture footage of any suspicious activity. If your home is targeted, this footage could be crucial for reporting incidents to the police or insurance providers. Many modern systems even allow you to monitor your property remotely via an app.

3.                  Secure your outdoor valuables

For decorations, potted plants and other outdoor valuables, ensure that they are securely fastened or placed in areas that are harder to access. Consider bringing valuable or fragile items inside or locking them in a shed or garage.

4.     Keep doors and windows locked

During periods of increased foot traffic, keep your doors and windows securely locked, even when you’re at home. This is especially important if you’re handing out treats, as it’s easy to become distracted and leave areas unsecured.

5.                  Speak to neighbours

If you know your neighbours, consider coordinating with them to watch each other’s properties. A quick check-in or exchange of contact details can provide peace of mind knowing someone is watching out for you.

6.                  Keep your car safe

You may wish to consider keeping your car in a garage or secure area overnight on Halloween night to avoid any damage from passing opportunistic pranksters. If you keep your car keys by the front door, consider relocating them as this location makes it easy for thieves to find.

How your home insurance can help

Despite having the right precautions in place, sometimes things can go wrong. That’s where your home insurance policy comes into play. If your property is vandalised due to anti-social behaviour, it’s important to know what your insurance covers. Most standard home insurance policies will offer protection against vandalism, but it’s always worth checking the fine print to ensure you’re fully covered for:

·         Property damage: This could include broken windows, damaged doors, or other structural damage caused by vandalism.

·         Loss of valuables: If theft occurs during the Halloween period, your contents insurance can help you recover the cost of stolen items.

·         Accidental damage: Some policies cover accidental damage, which might protect you if something is unintentionally damaged during the Halloween festivities. It’s worth noting that most policies won’t cover deliberate damage by someone living inside the property or any visiting guests.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy covers these risks, review your policy documents or speak to your broker for guidance. At Caleb Roberts Insurance Services, we can help ensure your home insurance is up to date and suited to your needs.

Stay safe and enjoy Halloween

While it’s important to be cautious, don’t forget that Halloween can be a great time to engage with your community. By taking some simple steps to protect your property, you can enjoy the festivities with added peace of mind.

Contact Caleb Roberts  at 01547 528028 for any home insurance inquiries or to ensure you’re fully protected this Halloween.

SOURCES

https://www.axa.co.uk/home-insurance/tips-and-guides/how-to-halloween-proof-your-home/

https://www.arlo.com/en_gb/blog/how-can-you-keep-your-house-safe-at-halloween?srsltid=AfmBOooF51fTbNr8BpSeQj_FrTUKEiflVdTtIDfdAeDhjSNg_mqm4Duo

https://www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2022/10/ward-off-halloween-home-horrors-as-malicious-damage-and-theft-claims-rise/

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/home-insurance/types-of-damage-cover/

https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/what-does-home-insurance-cover/