Aviva warns of burglary surge over Bonfire Night and Halloween

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 11:34

Aviva has urged homeowners to beware of burglers between Bonfire Night and Halloween after statistics revealed crime goes up when the clocks go back.

Research conducted by the insurer in conjunction with 16 police forces across the UK found that the week from October 30th to November 5th 2010 saw an average increase in reported burglaries of 26 per cent compared with the rest of the year.

The highest increase was in Strathclyde, where police saw a rise of 57 per cent, followed by Northamptonshire on 53 per cent.

Meanwhile, Aviva data compiled over the last decade showed a 28 per cent increase in burglary claims on Bonfire Night, making it the worst night of the year for break-ins, the company added.

Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva, commented: "Shorter days present more opportunities for criminals to work under cover of darkness. On Bonfire Night in particular, many people are out of the house at public displays or at parties and the noise of fireworks provides a distraction and means that suspicious sounds such as smashing glass aren't heard."

He added that making sure a house is not an easy target for criminals is the best way to ensure it is not broken into.

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