How to keep your property safe during Halloween
Spooky season is here! Did you know that crime increases by 26% on Halloween night? It turns out that ghosts, ghouls, and goblins aren’t the only spooky things you need to look out for this festive time of year – you’ll also need to protect your home from vandalism, theft, and burglary.
Here’s a couple of tips to keep your property safe during Halloween:
1. Set up surveillance around your home
If you don’t have it already, home security systems and cameras are some of the best ways to deter criminals from taking interest in your property. Before Halloween, make sure to see that your cameras are working and that they’re receiving unobstructed footage so that in the event of an attempt, you can have video footage of the crime. There are hundreds of locksmiths that can help you – simply search for one in your local areas on Find A Local Locksmith.
2. Stay in
If you can, plan on staying home altogether. Your property is at a higher risk when no one is inside to safeguard it. With someone home, the odds of a house break go down significantly, and if one still occurs – you’re there to report it immediately!
3. Keep the lights on and make your outdoor lights as bright as possible
Home or not, another excellent way to deter crime is by keeping the lights on. Burglars are less inclined to approach a house that looks currently occupied or lived-in. Find other ways to signal that the house is full of people – try leaving the TV on or playing music.
4. Always keep your car locked
It should go without saying, but always keep your car locked, regardless of how safe you think your neighbourhood is. Halloween encourages new visitors to your neighbourhood in search of sweets and treats, so don’t become complacent. Never keep valuables, especially your keys, in your car – and if you have no option, then make sure they’re not on show. Remove the temptation!
5. Prepare for the worst
As the saying goes: “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” There’s nothing spookier than being unprepared if the worst-case scenario pans out. Before Halloween, take small but effective measures to make your home an unappealing target for burglary. This means using several layers of protection, not just one. It starts with video surveillance, signs that indicate your property is monitored, or even ‘beware of dog’ signs. Who wants to invade a home with a furry alert system?
But don’t just stop there. Test your locks, put away your valuables, ask your neighbours to stay vigilant, and lock all points of entry that you might not usually do.
Finally, if you are one of the growing numbers of people who would rather not be disturbed by the doorbell this 31st October, a great tip is to put a sign on your door politely asking trick or treaters to pass you by. And remember, you are not obliged to open the door if you don’t feel safe. If Halloween makes you particularly nervous, or you know someone who is elderly or vulnerable and they will be alone, make arrangements for company during the evening.
All in all, Halloween is a fun and festive time of year that can be enjoyed anxiety-free if you take the right precautions to protect yourself and your property. And if you’re not quite sure about your home security, get in touch with one of our trusted locksmiths on Find A Local Locksmith – most locksmiths would be happy to provide a free security survey for your home.
