With families around the country gearing up to enjoy Bonfire Night celebrations, new research from Aviva reveals that those holding firework parties at home risk providing a spark of opportunity to thieves by leaving their doors unlocked and windows unchecked on what is the worst day of the year for burglary.
According to ten years of Aviva claims data, 22% more thefts are reported on Bonfire Night compared to the average day. However, a survey of 2500 UK homeowners reveals that one in five (19%) households holding a party in their garden admit to leaving the back door unlocked to make it easier for friends and neighbours to come and go as they please. And over one in ten (13%) even go as far as leaving the front door unlocked.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) say they do not check their windows are locked before heading out to the back garden, and only a third (32%) take steps to ensure that their valuables are not visible from the outside and out of sight from opportunist thieves.
Even those who plan to attend a public firework display away from the home fail to carry out basic security checks with one in three not checking that windows are locked and a fifth (22%) not ensuring that doors are secure.
However, the research shows that women are more security savvy than men, with 82% making sure all doors are locked before leaving the house (compared to 72% of men). Women are also more likely to ensure that valuables are stored safely out of sight and not visible from the outside (60% compared to 47% of men).
Aviva claims data also reveals that mobile phones and laptops remain the top stolen items claimed year-on-year during the Bonfire Night and Halloween period, with Apple products such as iPhones, MacBooks and iPods proving particularly popular with thieves.
In addition to seeing an increase in the number of thefts on Bonfire Night, Aviva also sees a rise of 60% in fire claims with bonfires and fireworks causing increased damage around the home and a 70% increase in malicious damage claims.
Heather Smith, Director of Home Insurance at Aviva, comments: “The crash and bang of fireworks under the cover of darkness gives opportunist burglars their best opportunity to target your home. The 22% increase in thefts shows they will be out and about while families are enjoying the fizz and sparkle of Bonfire Night celebrations.
“But those planning fireworks parties in their own back garden shouldn’t think they’ll be safe from thieves. It’s easy to leave doors and gates unlocked so that people can come and go as they please – including burglars. So why not keep doors locked and let guests in as they arrive, so that you know who’s coming into your home.
“And make sure you take care when setting off bangers and rockets. Fences and conservatories, in particular, can easily get hit by stray fireworks. So read the instructions, or it could be more than the Guy that goes up in flames.”
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