Thousands of property damage reports are made around Halloween in Ontario
Published October 31, 2024 at 3:30 pm
With Halloween festivities set to kick off in a few hours, some homeowners might be worried about overzealous revellers and for good reason: property damage reports tend to emerge before and after trick-or-treating.
A recent study by Preszler Law says that between 2019 and 2023, 2,549 incidents per 100,000 people were reported in Ontario. But while that might seem high, Ontario actually enjoys lower rates of reported Halloween-related property damage than other provinces, with only Quebec ranked lower (1,743 incidents per 100,000 people).
The report, which uses data from StatsCan, indicates that Saskatchewan has the highest average rate of property damage during the Halloween season (specifically the month of October). The prairie province has an average of 6,371 incidents per 100,000 people, closely followed by Manitoba, with 5,964 incidents per 100,000.
Alberta ranks third in the country, recording an average of 5,075 incidents per 100,000 residents. The analysis also indicates that Quebec has the lowest rate, with 1,743 incidents per 100,000.
The study says damage typically reported during the spooky season includes vandalism, broken windows and graffiti.
The law firm advises people to protect their homes by installing good lighting and being vigilant.
“As we approach Halloween, we advise community members to be aware and take preventative measures where possible,” David E. Preszler said in a statement.
“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.”
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