Halloween is almost here; it is time again for fun trick or treats and creative Halloween parties. Sad to say, Halloween is not only the time for free treats, but it is also the time where property crime skyrockets. According to the report from Traveler’s Insurance in 2016, crime-related claims had increased by 24% on Halloween. This is probably because people are busy with Halloween parties making it easier for burglars to trick you and burglarize your home.
Do not fall victim for these Halloween burglaries and vandalism, take the safety tips below to protect yourself and your property for potential crimes.
- Have a plan in handing out candies
Halloween is a fun event for everyone, but keep in mind that we are still facing a pandemic. Make sure to observe a good distance and wear mask when handing out candies to treat or tricksters. Plan ahead on the particular area in your property where you want to hand out candies and the best time to do it. You can do it in your driveway or garage since it gives you a better view on the people who are coming in and going out of your home.
- Clear obstacles
Before Halloween, consider cleaning your area and remove obstacles to provide a safer and clearer walkway for your visitors. Remove wet and dry leaves to make your home more welcoming especially to little pedestrians. Bring the Halloween spirit in your property too by decorating your garden and pathway with spooky toys and decorations. You can even add friction tapes on the steps to prevent accidents.
- Leave the lights on
Keeping a good amount of lights on is a good way to keep potential burglars and vandals at bay. See to it that your entry ways have lights on even if you are not home. If you are planning to travel someplace during Halloween, consider installing timers on your lights to make it appear that someone is at home. And before you leave home, test your fire alarms and extinguishers too. You don’t want your home to catch fire just because some pranksters throw their extra festive candles in your property.
- Prioritize home security
Fix any wobbly railings and tighten them to prevent accidents. Check your doors and windows and make sure that they locked well especially in the unsupervised points of entry. It is easy to get distracted with the fun Halloween events and criminals will always take these opportunities to do crimes. For extra security look to get your security doors and windows installed to keep you and your family safe.
- Remove valuables from sight
Vehicles, expensive decorations, and other valuables are eye candies that will tempt burglars. Park your car inside your garage and lock it. If you don’t have a garage, choose a well-lighted area or an area where the street CCTV are directed to reduce the possibility of property crimes.
