Halloween is No. 1 Day for Free Candy - and Property Crime
Make-believe monsters, witches and goblins vie for attention each Halloween, but Fright Night is also the ideal time for real wrongdoers to wreak havoc undetected.
On average, crime-related insurance claims spike on Halloween, more than on any other day of the year, according to data from
Travelers Insurance
. This includes particularly sharp increases in theft, both inside and outside the home, and vandalism
.
Property crime at a glance
BURGLARIES SKYROCKET
Among property crimes, home burglaries experience the largest increase on Halloween. A whopping 60% of Halloween property crime claims involve theft from the home. It’s tempting to assume no one would dare break in when there are so many witnesses in and around the neighborhood, but as a result, people often drop their guards just when they should be most vigilant.
THIEVES DON’T JUST STRIKE AT HOME
Most folks hit the streets in search of candy on Halloween, but prowling thieves have their eyes on more valuable goodies, such as a smartphone left in your car. Of property crime claims on Halloween, 21% involve theft away from home, proving your house is not the only hot spot for opportunistic criminals.
PROPERTY DAMAGE ALSO A CONCERN
All Hallows’ Eve is known for pranks, and the numbers suggest the reputation is well-earned. Claims due to vandalism and malicious mischief make up 19% of total Halloween property crime claims. This is a fairly broad category of crime ranging from relatively innocent home-egging to more purposely destructive acts, such as smashing car windows.
How to secure your home and belongings
TURN LIGHTS ON IF YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE
People often turn out all their lights to notify trick-or-treaters that they are not at home. Unfortunately, a dark house is also a green light for prospective burglars and vandals. It might confuse candy-expectant kids, but leave some lights on when you are away from home and even switch on the TV. Also consider motion-detecting lights for your yard.
KEEP YOUR PLANS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Leaving the house dark is not the only way you might accidentally attract burglars. Be mindful of other hints that your house is empty — such as announcing your evening plans on Facebook.
MAKE YOUR CAR LOOK EMPTY
Most Halloween thefts that occur away from home involve belongings in a car. Avoid leaving electronic devices, wallets, sunglasses and other valuable items sitting on the seat or dashboard. Also, tuck away car accessories such as USB cords. If you often leave your car in the driveway or on the street but own a garage, Halloween is a good time to park in it.
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Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com
)
