Halloween home security tips

In Ireland, the clocks always go back an hour on the last Sunday of October often coinciding with Halloween weekend. What most people don’t know is that from the times the clock, burglary rates increase by 31% due to the darker evenings. Burglary is predominantly an opportunistic crime, with burglars targeting homes that appear vulnerable. Darkness increases this vulnerability. At PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading home security company, we have prepared some tips for homeowners to reduce the risk and keep homes safe and secure this Halloween.

1. Light up

   The most common time for a burglary is between 5pm and 11pm. During this time, you should make sure your home is well lit. Use timed switches if you are not going to be at home. External motion sensor lights may also serve as a deterrent.

2. Close your windows & lock your doors when away

   It might seem obvious but a third of all burglars enter houses through the front door. Install a secondary locking system on front and back doors to be extra vigilant.

3. Don’t update social media with your plans if away from home (even if you are trick or treating with the kids)

   This kind of information can be valuable in burglars’ hands as they will know the house is vacant.

4. Don’t leave valuables on display

   Keep valuable possessions away from the windows. Keep curtains and blinds closed to make sure a burglar isn’t drawn to your home. Consider smart plugs to turn on and off lights if you’re away.

5. Lock your doors when going to bed (and always double check)

   With half of all burglaries occurring while people are at home, it is just as important to lock your doors while you are at home.

6. Don’t keep spare keys outside

   Instead ensure your loved ones have a spare set for emergencies.

7. Get a doorbell camera

   Sometimes burglars may ring doorbells to see if somebody is at home. At Halloween they may rely on families being out of home with the kids. With a doorbell camera like the PhoneWatch Doorbell Camera you can see who is at the door and respond via the inbuilt audio. Similarly, if neighbourhood kids are ringing the doorbell and running away or genuinely “trick or treating”, you will see this on the video in the PhoneWatch app. External and internal security cameras may also increase the security of your home.

8. Arm your home alarm

   PhoneWatch customers are four times less likely to be the victim of a burglary. Having a monitored home alarm can seriously improve your home’s security and deter burglars from targeting your home. And if you have an alarm, always remember to arm it even when at home.

By following these tips, you can help keep your family and possessions safe and secure during this Halloween season.