Trick-or-treating may be a sugar rush for all the little ghouls and goblins on Halloween night, but the resulting clean-up for property owners across Canada is not so fun.
Especially if you live in Saskatchewan.
According to a recent study by Ontario firm Preszler Law, Saskatchewan ranks as the province with the highest average rate of property damage during October, coinciding with the Halloween season.
Data collected from Statistics Canada reports an average property damage rate of 6,371 incidents per 100,000 people in Saskatchewan, says a statement from personal injury law firm Preszler Law.
The data includes property damage crime incidents reported each October from 2019 to 2023 and “provides a consistent measure of property damage risk across Canadian provinces during the Halloween season.”
Data from the territories is not included in the study.
Credit: Preszler Law.
Rounding out the Top 3 provinces with total property crime violations during the time period are Manitoba (with 5,964 incidents per 100,000 people) and Alberta (5,075 incidents per 100,000 people).
On the opposite end of the Halloween property damage scale is Quebec. La belle province has the lowest rate at 1,743 property damage incidents per 100,000 people, “suggesting a marked difference across provinces,” the law firm says.
Ontario is second lowest with 2,549 incidents per 100,000 people, followed by Prince Edward Island at 2,925 incidents per 100,000 people.
During Halloween, property damage — including vandalism, broken windows and graffiti — often increases due to spooky mischief associated with the event. Preszler Law reminds property owners to remain vigilant and tighten their security measures to avoid damage and mischief.
“We advise community members to be aware and take preventative measures where possible,” says practice leader David Preszler. “This time of year can come with a spike in mischievous activities, and simple steps like increased neighbourhood watch, good lighting and community awareness can help reduce property damage.”
Whether it’s claims from fires started by jack-o’-lantern candles or egged and toilet-papered houses, there’s no doubt property insurers will be busy this Halloween.
Feature image by iStock.com/Wirestock
