From State Farm
Photo courtesy of Shutter Speed on Unsplash
Tricksters can take the treat out of Halloween as vandalism spikes on Halloween compared to the rest of the month of October.
Based on its 2024 auto claims data, State Farm saw an average of almost 27% more auto vandalism claims across the country on Oct. 31 compared to the rest of October. Knowing that some scary characters stalking the streets will not be looking for treats, here are some practical ways to help reduce your chances of a ghoulish night mishap that could end up costing you money:
Halloween: A Night of Horrors for Some Drivers
Tips to Help Protect Your Home
- Keep your home brightly lit indoors and outside.
- Consider setting up a home security system with cameras. You might even qualify for discounts on your homeowners’ insurance.
- Try to keep shrubs and bushes trimmed so burglars have fewer places to hide.
- Clear debris and other obstacles from your lawn, sidewalks, and steps.
Tips to Help Protect Your Car
- Park in a garage. If you don’t have a garage, consider using motion lights that can help deter vandals and alert you or your neighbors to activity.
- When you’re away from home, park in a well-lit, populated area — preferably a gated lot or secure parking garage.
- For added protection, park in a spot away from objects that might conceal vandals, such as large vehicles, dumpsters, or shrubbery.
Things to Consider Before Halloween
- Eliminate temptations by removing valuables from your vehicle.
- Bumper stickers may also tempt vandals. If someone doesn’t agree with your expressed views, you could become the target of vandalism.
- Consider adding an alarm system and/or surveillance cameras to your car to help make it a less desirable target. Sometimes, simply having a security system decal is enough.
- Also, remember to close your car windows and lock the car, even when you park at home.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
The post The Tricks Are No Treat: On Halloween, Auto Vandalism Claims Rise appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv