'Secure doors and windows' this Bonfire season

With Halloween upon us and Bonfire Night approaching, doors and windows should be secured, homeowners have been told.

Home insurer AXA notes that Halloween typically results in a 270 per cent increase in claims for malicious damage to property.

Bonfire Night, however, is responsible for an even greater increase - with claims up by 350 per cent compared with a 'normal' day.

AXA head of household Nick Kidd says: "People should take extra care to ensure windows and doors are locked, garden gates are secured and outbuildings, such as garages or sheds, are locked."

He adds that securing doors and windows can help protect properties, whereas risks such as miscreants pushing fireworks through letterboxes can be harder to safeguard against.

Oldham residents Andrew and Mandy Platt recently told This is Money of their relief at finding firework damage was covered by their insurance policy.

The couple faced repairs after a firework from a neighbour's house broke through the glass of their conservatory and damaged a plastic panel.

Written by Alice Cox

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