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Be a Good Neighbor
Be a friendly neighbor this Halloween—and every day of the year. Vandals are less likely to target the house of someone they know and like.
Keep Your Porch Lights On
This Halloween, keep your porch and exterior lights on all night. Vandals are less likely to act if neighbors and passersby can easily spot them.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights
Consider installing exterior lighting equipped with motion sensors, which turn on the lights as people walk around your property. This will lead the way for honest trick-or-treaters while discouraging would-be pranksters.
Related: DIY Deals: Outdoor Lighting
Park Your Car in the Garage
On Mischief Night, parked cars are an easy target for pranksters. Prevent your ride from getting egged or spray-painted by putting it in the garage. If you don’t have a garage, consider moving your car to a neighbor’s.
Tape Up Your Mail Slot
A mail slot is convenient for you—and also for punks wielding smoke bombs. Tape up this weak link in your home’s defense to avoid receiving any unwanted “mail” on Halloween night.
Sit Outside During Trick-or-Treating
Make your presence known on Halloween night. Instead of waiting inside for trick-or-treaters, be proactive and greet them on the porch. Sit ready with a bowl of candy and a smile, so everybody knows their movements are being watched.
Bring in Toys and Lawn Equipment
Bring your loose toys and lawn equipment inside before Halloween night. This precaution prevents theft and vandalism, and it also keeps the objects from becoming trip hazards during trick-or-treating.
Pretend You’re Not Home
Don’t want to participate in Halloween this year? Close your curtains and turn off your interior and exterior lights. If you pretend you’re not at home, trick-or-treaters will pass you by. Keep in mind, however, that a quiet home may attract vandals.
Temporarily Remove Your Mailbox
If mailboxes in your neighborhood tend to get stuffed with rotten eggs or bashed with baseball bats on All Hallows’ Eve, consider taking yours inside for the night. By doing so, you’ll avoid having to clean or replace your mailbox on November 1.
Use Flameless Candles
A jack-o’-lantern can easily get kicked over, either accidentally or on purpose. Minimize the risk of fire by using flameless candles instead of the real-deal wax variety.
Related: 12 Brilliant Hacks for Your Best-Ever Halloween Pumpkin