Crime-related insurance claims spike by 24 percent on average on Halloween, more than on any other day of the year, says Travelers Insurance. This includes particularly sharp increases in theft, both inside and outside the home, and vandalism, reports NerdWallet. Among property crimes, home burglaries experience the largest increase on Halloween, says Angi Orbann of Travelers. Insurance claims due to theft inside the home go up by 60 percent.
It’s tempting to assume no one would dare break in when there are so many witnesses walking the neighborhood, Orbann says. As a result, people often drop their guards just when they should be most vigilant. People often turn out all their lights to notify trick-or-treaters that they’re not at home, she says. Unfortunately, a dark house is also a green light for prospective burglars and vandals..