Forget ghosts and ghouls – this Halloween it’s trick-or-treaters who are putting the frighteners on the nation and wreaking havoc on our homes, according to new research released today.
- Two and half times more malicious damage claims on homes on Halloween
- Three-quarters of spooked out Brits admit to hiding from trick-or-treaters
Forget ghosts and ghouls – this Halloween it’s trick-or-treaters who are putting the frighteners on the nation and wreaking havoc on our homes, according to new research released today.
Figures from Norwich Union Insurance show that Halloween is the worst day of the year for malicious damage claims to property with an increase of 150% on 31 October. The average cost of that damage is a shocking Ł900.* It’s also one of the worst days of the year for damage to cars, with 20% more claims than a normal day. The average cost is Ł1,200 per incident.*
Furthermore, in a poll of more than 1,000 homeowners** more than one in ten (13%) people claim their home has been damaged by high spirited trick-or-treaters. The single biggest reported culprit of damage to homes is caused by trick-or-treaters throwing eggs and flour which is responsible for 80% of damage. However, more damaging and costly examples of tricks highlighted by the research include switching off electricity supply to homes, damage to gardens and hedges and theft of items from outside peoples’ homes.
It comes as no surprise that 92% of those surveyed by Norwich Union admit that Halloween makes them feel anxious, and 65% dread a knock at the door on Halloween.
The lights are off and no-one is home…
72% of respondents divulged that they have pretended not to be at home when trick-or-treaters have knocked at their door. The most popular tactic employed by over half (58%) of Brits to escape trick-or-treaters is to sit at the back of their home to make it look like no-one is in, followed by turning off the lights and television (42%) and ignoring knocks or rings at the door (17%).
Other key survey findings:
- People in the Midlands are least likely to open the door to trick-or-treaters, closely followed by Wales and London
- Northern Ireland is revealed as the place where Halloween spirits are highest. People living there are the most likely to open their door to trick-or-treaters
- Wales tops the list as the region where homes are most likely to be harmed by trick-or-treaters
- Regionally Scotland comes top as the place where homes are least likely to be damaged by trick-or-treaters.
Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union, said: “Traditionally Halloween is associated with fear because of the supernatural but our research shows it’s real fears causing the most anxiety.
“Our research shows that trick-or-treaters are the biggest cause of Halloween nerves, and only a small number of those surveyed attributed their fears to ghosts.
“With a three fold increase in malicious damage claims on 31 October, Halloween is the worst day of the year for vandalism targeting your home.
“While the vast majority of trick-or-treaters are just in high spirits, it’s worth taking a few simple steps such as putting your vehicle in the garage and making sure your doors are secured.”
Norwich Union Insurance top tips for warding off trick-or-treaters:
- Consider stocking up on treats - this could mean the difference between being a victim of a trick and averting trouble from your home
- If you are a parent, volunteer to take turns with other parents to accompany children when they are trick-or-treating
- Put the car in the garage or tucked out of the way for the night
- Move any garden ornaments, potted plants or bikes from the front or side of your house and out of sight.
- Malicious damage is covered as standard in most home insurance policies, but it’s worth checking you have adequate buildings and contents cover.
-ends-
Press office contacts:
Sophie Lam, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6482 / 07957 133010, slam@lexispr.com
Joanna Pritchard, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6440 / 0771 252 8558, jpritchard@lexispr.com
Rebecca Holmes, Norwich Union Press Office, on 01603 354 346 or 07800 690 731
Notes to editors:
*Statistics based on Norwich Union claims data 1995-2005
**The research for Norwich Union was carried out online by Tickbox.net between 17 October – 19 October 2006 amongst a nationally representative sample of 1107 UK adults aged 16+.
Summary of key findings
Who pretends they’re not in on Halloween?
1. Midlands - 79%
2. Wales – 78%
3. London -77%
4. North East – 72% / North West – 72%
6. South West – 71% / South East – 71%
8. Yorkshire – 68%
9. Scotland – 65% / East – 65%
11. Northern Ireland – 43%
Halloween damage hotspots:
1. Wales – 24%
2. South West – 18%
3. East – 16%
4. Yorkshire / Midlands / Northern Ireland – 14%
7. South East – 13%
8. North West – 12%
9. North East – 9%
10. London – 8%
11. Scotland – 6%
Top three regions for employing the tactic of sitting at the back of the house:
1. North West – 68%
2. Northern Ireland – 67%
3. South West - 66%
Top three regions for employing the tactic of turning off their lights and television:
1. Scotland – 59%
2. Wales – 57%
3. East – 47%
About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 15%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media