Does Crime Spike on Halloween?

Halloween is an annual celebration that involves candy, parties, and gatherings. But there is one more thing that Halloween brings that is far more sinister than witches and goblins: an increase in crime.

According to Travelers’ Insurance data from 2016, crime-related insurance claims spike by 24% on Halloween, more than on any other day of the year. Property-related crimes occur the most, mainly composed of vandalism, breaking and entering, and theft.

Before you embark on any type of Halloween adventure, it is best to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your home in case of any criminal activity.

How Do I Enhance My Safety on Halloween?

There are various ways to enhance your safety on Halloween, regardless of where and how you celebrate. By using the following tips, you can ensure a fun and happy Halloween for everyone involved!

As a Homeowner

If you are planning to leave your house on Halloween night, take additional precautions to keep your home safe. Add extra lights to your outdoor areas to not only improve the safety of property visitors, but also to help deter any type of criminal activity, such as vandalism and residential burglary.

Always lock doors and windows and ensure candles are blown out. If possible, opt for LED candles to ensure fire safety. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), an average of 770 home structure fires began with decorations per year from 2014 to 2018.

As a Parent

As a parent, Halloween can mean using increased safety measures to ensure your children are safe. “Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year,” notes The National Safety Council (NSC). Improve visibility by using flashlights, glow sticks, or opting for reflective clothing.

If you plan on driving a vehicle on Halloween, ensure your child’s costume fits properly and does not interfere with child restraints and booster seats. If a costume includes elements that are hard or not form-fitting, considering changing your child into the costume once you have safely arrived at your destination.

As a Pedestrian

Pedestrians have an increased risk of injury on Halloween. In a recent study, child pedestrians have the highest risk of a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween.

When walking, put down any electronic devices that may otherwise distract you from paying attention to your environment. Paying special attention to your surroundings and using caution could be a life-saving decision. Defensive walking, a technique that anticipates the potential dangerous decisions of others, is a useful tool to implement on Halloween night, especially if you are traveling alone or with children.

As a Driver

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that during Halloween nights from 2013 through 2017, 42% of those killed were in traffic crashes that involved at least one drunk driver. If you plan to drive, only drive if you are sober and feel alert: never drive drunk or drowsy.

Make arrangements to use a sober driver or utilize a ridesharing app to get home safely if you plan on drinking alcohol. Even if you “feel” sober, it is not worth risking your life, other’s lives, or being arrested for a DUI. If you feel tired or are exhibiting signs of drowsiness, don’t get behind the wheel.

Preventing Crime on Halloween

Data shows crime-related insurance claims increased on Halloween, insinuating that the amount of criminal activity also increased on Halloween day.

While this may be true, there are precautions that can be taken to help prevent you and your loved ones from being victims or perpetrators of crime on Halloween. Whether you are a homeowner, parent, pedestrian, or driver, there are various ways you can enhance your safety on Halloween night. Stay safe and free from unexpected scary spooks!