For many families in Australia now, Halloween is a great time to dress up the kids and have a little fun. Unfortunately, parents and youngsters might not be the only ones strolling the streets on 31 October. Here’s some tips to ensure you’re not the victim of a burglary on Halloween night, as masked crooks find it easier to blend in and raid homes for a quick score when people have their guard down. Security screens have an important role to play on Halloween night.
1. Security screens provide a barrier between you and Halloween visitors
Halloween brings a lot of knocks at the door, mostly from children looking for a treat, but don’t take that for granted. Opening the door without proper caution could put you at risk for home invasion. Always keep your security screen door locked, so when you open your front door, you still have a barrier between yourself and visitors.
2. Don’t leave your home unlocked on Halloween
Even if you’re staying home on Halloween night, keep unscreened windows and doors right around the house securely closed and locked. For doors fitted with security screens, ensure they are also locked. The inconvenience of unlocking the door to welcome a new batch of trick-or-treaters is nothing compared to the impacts that could result from a break-in.
3. Lock backyard gates
Your home’s backyard is an ideal target for burglars, providing a secluded means of breaking into your home. On Halloween night, it’s especially easy for dark-clad burglars to make their way from the street to your fence line without drawing suspicion. A locked gate provides an obstacle that may make your house less appealing.
4. Park your car in the garage
Cars are prime targets on Halloween, both for vandalism and theft. Your best bet is parking your car in the garage for the night, even if it means temporarily moving some things out of the way to make space.
5. Leave the porch light on
It may mess with your decorations, but consider leaving your porch light on or installing lights that activate when someone approaches your home to enhance visibility and security. Outdoor lighting and well-lit walkways both prevent accidents and deter potential thieves.
Tip: If you are not participating in Halloween celebrations, leave your porch light off.
It’s always important to follow the safety guidelines of your local police service also. Here’s some from the QPS.