Halloween. Love it or hate it, some people’s favourite holiday is coming up at the end of the month.
It’s a time to celebrate the spooky and unnatural by dressing up in costumes. Adults might be heading off to late-night parties; for kids, it’s the only day of the year where asking strangers for sweets is seen as sensible.
Although enjoyed by many, Halloween poses a security risk. Keep safe at parties and double-check all the sweet treats handed out to your kids.
However, you should also review your home security: is it enough? This article will walk you through some things to watch out for.
Home security risks you need to address before Halloween
There are several home security risks associated with Halloween. We’ve compiled a list of a few. If you haven’t prepared for any of these, take the necessary precautions before the 31 October comes around.
The nights are drawing in…
It’s that time of the year. The evenings are getting darker, and our energy levels are sapping along with it. Perhaps this isn’t a Halloween-specific problem, but you should be aware of it around this time of year. Dark nights make it more tempting for people to break in or skulk around.
Counter the dark evenings by installing proper security lighting around your home. These could be motion-activated, set on a timer, or both. Any light space won’t stop criminals, but it’ll put them off.
Trick or treaters – who is knocking at your door?
The vast majority of trick-or-treaters are harmless kids and families. Give them a mini-Mars bar and send them on their way – all good. It might not always be a good idea to open the door, though. For example, an elderly resident might be intimidated by a group of large young men dressed up as zombies or vampires. If it looks like trouble, it might be.
So, what’s the best way to check who’s on your doorstep? Of course, you could look out a window, but then you might be spotted. These days, you could consider a smart doorbell with a video feed. CCTV cameras might also be a good idea. With these, you can get a live view of who – or what – might be lurking outside and decide whether to open the door.
Will your home be unoccupied if you go to a party?
One of the biggest threats to home security is when your home is obviously unoccupied. Closed curtains, no lights, and no cars on the drive tell an impulsive criminal that it’s an excellent opportunity to break in and steal something. That could be particularly dangerous if someone is sleeping alone in your property, or you have pets in the house.
If you plan on heading out for an evening of spooky fun, create the appearance that people are still in. Turn a few select lights on inside. Activate the security lighting to illuminate your driveway and back garden. You might even turn the TV or radio on and ask a neighbour to park on your drive. Again, these techniques won’t completely stop a would-be burglar, but they will make your home a much less appealing target.
Checking who’s entering your home during your party
Holding a Halloween party in your home? Go for it. However, keep an eye on who’s coming into your home. If you have a big party, people might be letting themselves in. As the numbers approach 30, 40, 50, and so on, it becomes difficult to keep track of everyone. Bold intruders might simply walk through your door and make off with your valuables.
Installing an entry card system isn’t the most practical idea for a Halloween party (although there’s nothing to stop you). It makes more sense to lock your door after every time you welcome someone in. Open the door yourself to confirm that you know everyone (or appoint someone else). Finally, consider live-feed video doorbells or CCTV systems. These allow you to check who’s outside and put potential criminals off.
Get in touch with Grays Locksmiths
It’s still possible to enjoy Halloween. Secure your home with an MLA-approved locksmith to put your mind at ease.
Grays Locksmiths serves Nottingham and the surrounding areas. If you’d like help installing any of the security features mentioned in this article or any further advice on preparing for Halloween, feel free to contact us. Our friendly staff will have an obligation-free chat with you to work out what’s best for you and your home.
You can get in touch using the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.