Halloween is a time for spooky fun, trick-or-treating, and dressing up. But while we’re out enjoying the festivities, it’s important to remember that Halloween night can also be an opportune time for burglars and vandals. With houses often left unattended and masked visitors roaming the streets, it’s easy for them to play some tricks under the cover of a costume while you’re off gathering treats. So, it’s vital to ensure that your home is protected during the celebrations. Today we share some essential Halloween home security tips to keep your property safe and secure while you enjoy the holiday.
Light up Your Property
A well-lit home is one of the most effective deterrents against burglars. While Halloween might be associated with darkness and mystery, don’t let that apply to your home security. Make sure to:
- Install motion-sensor lights around your doors, pathways, and garden areas. These will turn on automatically when someone approaches your home, making it less attractive to anyone trying to sneak around.
- Keep your porch lights on to welcome trick-or-treaters and discourage potential intruders.
- Use smart lighting systems that allow you to control your lights remotely if you’re away, making it look like someone is home.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
With an increase in foot traffic around your neighbourhood, burglars may use Halloween as an opportunity to “window shop” for valuable items. To prevent attracting unwanted attention, close your curtains or blinds when it gets dark, so that no one can see into your home. Store any valuable items (like laptops, jewellery and car keys) out of sight away from windows and doors, and if you’re hosting a Halloween party, keep any valuable possessions locked away in a room or safe.
Lock Your Doors and Windows
It may seem like common sense, but many homeowners leave their doors unlocked during Halloween while handing out sweets or attending to party guests. This presents a perfect opportunity for burglars. To avoid this:
- Always lock your doors and windows, even if you’re just in the garden or on the porch.
- Use deadbolts or multi-point locking systems on doors for added security.
- If you have uPVC windows, make sure they are fully secured and not left on the latch, as these can be vulnerable to forced entry.
Install a Video Doorbell or CCTV System
Halloween is a great time to make use of a video doorbell or CCTV system. Not only can you monitor visitors to your home, but it also acts as a significant deterrent to anyone considering suspicious behaviour. Video doorbells allow you to see who’s at your door before answering, perfect for monitoring trick-or-treaters or unexpected guests. For more comprehensive coverage, CCTV cameras can cover multiple areas of your home, including your driveway, garden, and entry points.
Many modern systems allow you to view live feeds directly from your smartphone, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or out for the evening.
Be Cautious With Decorations
Who doesn’t love decorating for Halloween? They can be a lot of fun, but be mindful of where you put them up. If you’re one of big or intricate displays, putting them near your entryways or windows could block visibility, making it harder to see what’s happening outside, and even block any cameras you have installed. They can also create easy hiding spots for potential intruders. So make sure your decorations aren’t creating ideal hiding spots
Keep Your Car Secure
On Halloween night, cars can also be a target for vandals or thieves. Whether that’s an egging by passing teenagers or an opportunist thief breaking in. If your car is parked in your driveway or on the street, take these steps to protect your vehicle:
- Park in well-lit areas, either under a streetlamp or near a motion sensor light.
- Lock all doors and make sure the windows are fully closed, even if you’re only leaving the car for a short time.
- Remove any valuables from the vehicle, including wallets, bags, or sat-nav systems.
- Consider using a steering wheel lock for added protection and an alarm system if available.
Be Aware of Door-to-Door Scams
Not all Halloween visitors are innocent trick-or-treaters. Some criminals may take advantage of the busy night to disguise themselves and knock on doors under false pretences. To stay safe:
- Never open the door to strangers if you feel uncomfortable. Use your peephole or video doorbell to assess who’s outside.
- Be wary of charity collectors or anyone asking for money. Always check for proper identification, and if in doubt, don’t give out any information.
- If you’re leaving a bowl of sweets outside, keep it well-lit and within view of a window or CCTV to discourage vandals or potential thieves.
While Halloween is meant to be a fun and festive occasion, it’s important not to let your home security slip. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your property stays safe while you enjoy the spooky season. Enjoy Halloween safely, and don’t forget – peace of mind is the best treat of all!