Halloween, it's a great time of the year! Kids get loads of treats and we all have an excuse to dress up.
All that good fun also helps ease us into the changing of the clocks and the shorter days.
As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, we'll see longer evenings and unfortunately, this can be good news for burglars who use the cover of darkness.
Statistics show that the end of October is particularly painful for some home owners, in thefts, criminal damage and accidental damage caused by fireworks or other seasonal hazards.
With this in mind, here are some handy tips to help keep your home safe at this time of year.
Install outdoor lighting. Not only will that keep the Trick or Treaters safe as they call to your house, it also gives potential burglars fewer places to hide.
Lock your windows and doors - even if you are in. It might seem obvious, but at this time of the year it is essential that you don’t provide opportunistic thieves with an easy target!
Similarly, don't leave your keys visible inside the hallway.
Get an alarm system fitted as it's likely to deter thieves or test your alarm if you already have one.
Insurers report more claims for damage to cars and homes at Halloween than at any other time of the year. Malicious damage and fires should be covered as standard on your buildings insurance, and on your car insurance but its better to avoid the harm (and making a claim) if you can.
Park your car off the street if you can.
Remove any easily movable garden decorations, planters, etc. to the back garden.
Leave your lights and a radio on if you are going out, to make it appear as if someone is home.
Lock you garage, put a padlock on the shed door and put the bikes inside.
Enjoy the season, but spend a little time in advance to keep your property safe!
