It’s almost that time of year when millions of kids all over the country start pounding the pavement in search of candy and fun. Criminals see this holiday as another favorable circumstance. Halloween is a well known night for pranksters and vandals; it can also be a window of opportunity for burglars, if you are away from home. By staying informed, you can prevent crime and accidents this Halloween with some helpful reminders from SimpliSafe Home Security.
Halloween is an ideal time for vandals and burglars to attack!
For a burglar or vandal, it is easy to spot who is and isn’t home, and with all the hustle and bustle outside, a thief can blend-in effortlessly.
Protect Your Property
- If you have a garage, take the opportunity to park your car in it. Don’t let your car be a target.
- Utilizing spot lights or motion sensor lights can discourage many pranksters and burglars from choosing your home. Proper lighting not only deters burglars, it also can prevent falls, making your home safer for everyone.
- Depending on your community, legitimate trick-or-treaters should be off the streets by 8 or 9.
- It’s never a good idea to answer the door after a certain time.
- Make sure windows and doors are locked at all times, even if your home or not.
Having a dependable home security system is an excellent deterrent to burglars. According to a Temple University study, a monitored alarm system makes a home three times less likely to be burglarized versus a home without an alarm.
If you have a home security system in place:
Whether or not you will be home to pass out treats, keep your home alarm armed throughout the day and night. Think about it from a burglar’s perspective: You are able to canvas an entire neighborhood without arousing any suspicion, because of all the commotion of the holiday. It’s like a burglar’s dream!
Also, keep home security yard signs clearly displayed and well-lit in order to steer away any nighttime criminals.
Preparing Your Ghosts and Goblins for Their Tricks and Treats
- Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars.
- Trick-or-treaters should be reminded to stick with a buddy at all times.
- Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.
- Children should avoid taking shortcuts through yards, alleys, or parks at night and should only go trick-or-treating in well-lit areas.
- Treats should be checked by a parent. Only factory-wrapped treats can be considered safe to eat.
Pranks That Can Be A Little Tricky
Halloween is notoriously a night of pranks–toilet papering a house or filling mailboxes with shaving cream are not unusual. Try to get a handle on your children’s plans before they go out. Explain to them that while you want them to have a good time, some tricks could hurt other people or vandalize property. Emphasize that you disapprove of vandalism.
