Halloween can be a fun and exciting event for kids, dressing up as scary creatures or superheroes and collecting treats from the neighbors. It is also the date we see an annual peak in property crimes: vandalism, arson and burglary. According to a 2016 study by Travelers, property crimes average 24% higher on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. The Highway Loss Data Institute found that vehicles are twice as likely to be vandalized on October 31. These trends truly make Halloween a frightening night for schools.
The following steps can help school districts make their facilities less attractive to young tricksters and malicious criminals this Halloween:
Secure the Perimeter – Keep gates locked after school hours and be sure fencing is in good repair.
Clean and Well Lighted – Remove any trash and weeds from grounds that could be easily set on fire. Lighting that keeps the area more visible will deter attempts to damage or break in to facilities.
Have Dumpsters Emptied In Advance – Request an additional rubbish pickup if the regular schedule doesn’t coincide with Halloween. Keep bins locked at night and keep them away from buildings that can be damaged by a dumpster fire.
Develop a Relationship with the Immediate Community – Get to know the neighbors around your school and encourage them to report any unusual activity they see happening around the school property.
Utilize Signage to Signal Awareness – Discourage would-be vandals and burglars with signs indicating presence of surveillance and a commitment to prosecute property crime.
Protect Vehicles – Where possible, keep them garaged or in gated yards a safe distance away from fence lines.
If Property is Vandalized, Minimize the Impact – Clean up and restore damage as quickly as possible following an incident. Remove or mask graffiti right away to demonstrate that vandals’ handiwork will not be long lasting.
Foster Pride in Your Schools – Give your student body a stake in the maintenance and attractiveness of their school.
Your Keenan representative can help you assess your property risks and help you implement effective loss control steps to lessen your exposure to vandalism and arson.
