Home Security: To Do and Not to Do on Halloween

This month is National Crime Prevention Month, the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities.

At the end of the month is Halloween, a night of trick and treating when costumed figures fill the streets after sunset, with some looking to cause mischief and mayhem. That means that your home safety and home security is especially important.

Here are some tips for what NOT to do on Halloween.
 

• Don’t leave your door unlocked; an intruder posing as a trick-or-treater could easily let themself in. Make sure your door locks are sturdy and secure.
• Make sure older trick-or-or-treaters have a set return time and cell phones handy. With an electronic lock, you can give them their own code, rather than trusting them with a key.
• Don’t leave your porch light off and replace any broken exterior lights. A dark house and yard makes it easier for vandals and burglars to walk up undetected.
• Don’t answer the door after a certain cut-off time; legitimate trick or treaters should be off the streets by 8 or 9, depending on your community.
   

For more ideas about how to have a safe and secure holiday, take a look at these Halloween home security tips.