More Crimes Happen on Halloween
Are you aware that across the nation, on average, more crimes happen on Halloween than any other day during the year? According to Travelers Insurance, there was a rise in insurance claims in 2016 by almost 25% on Halloween. This does not include criminal activity such as drunk driving and assaultive crimes.
The most common crimes that happen on Halloween are those against property like home invasions, theft and vandalism. I know it may surprise you but this uptick in crime occurs in the evenings while people are away from their home at parties or trick-or-treating with their kids.
Criminals are aware that most people will be away from their home for a few hours (or longer this year, because Halloween falls on a weekend) giving them more opportunity to commit crimes around or in your home.
7 Things You Can do to Help Reduce Your Risk
Don’t fret, below are 7 things you can do to help reduce your risk of becoming a victim by giving the impression you are home.
Remember, criminals are looking for quick opportunities to get in and out, and normally without confrontation. Here is a short list of things you can do to help reduce the chance of being a Halloween victim:
1. Leave majority of your lights on all around your house both inside and outside. If you have motion detectors make sure they are working. If you have smart lights, make sure they go off and on at certain times to give the appearance someone is home.
2. Don’t advertise you will be out of your house via social media. You never know who is watching or reading your post.
3. Make sure you don’t have any big objects outside around your windows that a criminal could use to break a window or easily enter your home.
4. Close your windows even if you are home. If you are in one part of the house handing out candy, you won’t know if someone enters another part of the house through an open window.
5. Keep ALL doors locked until you go to the door to unlock them. This prevents anyone from walking into your home easily.
6. Close your blinds and drapes so others can’t see what is inside your home. If they can’t see what you have, they will be less likely to come in.
7. Leave music or the TV playing so it appears someone is home. The last thing a criminal wants to see in your home is YOU.