The time is almost here where dozens of kids in your own neighborhood will be pounding the pavement to collect their sugary dues. While children are excited for all of the treats, criminals are equally excited for the opportunities that arise during Halloween. From unlocked doors for parties to unmonitored homes and streets full of individuals lurking in costumes, it is the perfect time to burglarize. You can protect your home and your family by implementing a few essential safety measures.
Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones During Halloween
During Halloween time, it is easy to spot who is home and who is out enjoying the holiday. Thieves can blend in effortlessly, so take extra precautions to thwart their attempts.
- Park Your Car in the Garage – Do not leave your car outside to become a target. Instead, park it in the garage where thieves will not have access to it.
- Motion and Spot Lights – Install or activate your home’s motion sensor lights to discourage burglars and pranksters from entering your property. Lighting can also make your home safer for trick-or-treaters to approach.
- Keep an Eye on Time – Most trick-or-treaters are gone by 8:00 to 9:00pm. After that, anyone wandering the streets may be considered a “risk” and kept an eye on.
- Lock Up – Lock all windows and doors whether you are home or not.
- Make Your Home Look Occupied – If you are out trick-or-treating, at a party or away for the weekend, make your home look occupied by activating your home automation system. That includes turning on the lights at night, having your TV operate, etc.
- Arm Your Home Security System – Do not forget to activate your home security system, whether you are home or away.
- Inspect Your Child’s Treats – Your children will receive plenty of candy this Halloween. Before they consume any of it, inspect each individual package for signs of tampering.
- Create a Trick-or-Treating Route – Sit down with your children and map out a safe route so you know which way they are headed and where they will be. If your children are trick-or-treating with friends, make sure to get an itinerary from the supervising parents.
Protecting your home and loved ones during Halloween does not have to be spooky. By taking precautions now, you can have a safe, fun Halloween season.
