Halloween is the most violent day of the year. In some cities, crime rates double the yearly average as people in overly festive moods cause mischief. Several different factors affect violence, like the crime prevention a city has in place, the day of the week Halloween falls on, or college towns nearby. Even the weather affects the crime rates for Halloween.
This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday. There will also be a rare blue moon that night, and we all know how full moons are notorious for bringing out wild behavior in people. This Halloween will also be unique due to COVID-19, which could swing crime rate statistics either way.
This article will give you tips and tricks on how to celebrate creativity while protecting yourself, your home and your business from COVID-19 and crime.
The most common crimes during Halloween are pickpocketing, petty theft and alcohol-related incidents like harassment and assault. Criminal mischief like graffiti and damaging graves increases, and unfortunately, more severe crimes like rape and murder have occurred. Forensic psychologists blame the nature of Halloween as an inspiration for criminals and people with suppressed hostility to act out.
However, the pandemic will present a different situation for this year as more people stay home. While state officials have only “strongly discourage” popular events like trick-or-treating, 37 states have cancelled traditional public gatherings in an attempt to slow the virus. Perhaps cancellations will affect crime rates, too. Will people act out after a year’s worth of social isolation, or will things be calmer?
Regardless, if you happen to find yourself out and about during Halloween, remember to keep your belongings close and stay attentive to your surroundings.
Staying Healthy
The CDC has suggested some creative ways to celebrate Halloween this year to minimize the duration of time people spend together indoors. Instead of large parties, consider a smaller, more intimate gathering this year. You can set up a trick-or-treating scavenger hunt in your house or give out individually wrapped goodie bags instead of communal bowls to trick-or-treaters.
Just as Zoom has kept families and businesses connected over social distancing, you can host a virtual costume contest with your friends or co-workers. You can also gather outside for a “haunted forest” instead of a haunted house or visit an outdoor corn maze or pumpkin patch. It is sweater season, after all!
In terms of other attire, health officials recommend not to replace your COVID-19 mask with a Halloween mask. Still, don’t wear both at the same time as that can make breathing difficult. Instead of a regular Halloween mask, consider face paint with a Halloween-themed COVID-19 mask.
Staying Safe
Staying home is the best way to deter robbers from targeting your home. If you leave for evening celebrations, make sure to leave your lights on and your T.V. or radio playing. Remove your spare key from under the mat or ceramic pumpkin decoration for the night. You should also remove any objects like bikes or grills that could be stolen or used as a way to break in.
If you stay home, park your car in the garage for the night or keep the porch light on. Make sure to remove all valuables and activate the car alarm. For public parking, try to get a spot in a well-lit area both for your car’s safety and yourself.
You can also consider installing motion-sensor floodlights or video surveillance.
Staying Profitable
Suppose you own a business, particularly one that deals with pricey, desirable items like jewelry or recreational cannabis. In that case, you know how important security is. Before closing up for Halloween night and the night before, follow this checklist to protect your business from crime:
- Check your security systems and fire alarm. Ensure your cameras and floodlights are working if you have them installed or consider investing in some before Halloween.
- Leave your property well-lit to discourage vandalism.
- Remove your cash register or pricey retail items from obvious view for the night.
- If you decorated for the holidays, make sure your décor does not obstruct any walkways or exits. If someone hurts themselves on your property, your business could be held liable even if you weren’t there to witness the injury.
Checking with your insurance provider to make sure you understand your coverage can give you increased peace of mind during the most violent night of the year.
How can Sapphire Risk help?
Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Take advantage of our security consulting services and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more. Follow us on Facebook or connect with us on LinkedIn to receive further security updates.
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What a Cannabis Business Owner Learned After a Break-In
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