Keeping Our Community Safe This Halloween

Keeping Our Community Safe This Halloween

As Halloween approaches, many children and families will be out enjoying trick-or-treating and community events.. While this is a fun occasion, it is also important to remain vigilant and take sensible precautions to keep yourselves, your families, and your properties safe from theft and burglary. Local Safer Neighbourhood Team will be engaging in reassurance patrol to keep the community safe.

Some Safety Advice for Children and Families

Plan Your Route

Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult where possible.

Stick to well-lit streets and familiar routes.

Let family members know where you will be and when you expect to return.

Be Visible

Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a torch.

Ensure masks and costumes do not restrict vision or movement.

Stranger Awareness

Never enter a stranger's home or vehicle.

Accept treats only at the doorstep.

Report any suspicious behaviour to a trusted adult or the police.

Protect Your Home from Theft & Burglary

Keep Your Home Looking Occupied

Leave lights on when out or use timer switches.

Consider smart lighting or automated devices.

Draw curtains after dark but avoid making the property appear unoccupied.

Secure Doors and Windows

Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving home or going to bed.

Ensure side gates, sheds, and garages are secured.

Remove keys from doors and windows and keep them out of sight.

Use Security Measures

CCTV, video doorbells, and security lighting can act as effective deterrents.

Ensure cameras are working and positioned correctly.

Motion-sensor lighting can discourage opportunist criminals.

Protect Valuable Items

Keep wallets, handbags, mobile phones, vehicle keys, and valuable items away from windows and entry points.

Mark valuable property and record serial numbers where possible.

Vehicle Crime Prevention

Lock your vehicle even if leaving it unattended for only a few minutes.

Remove valuables from sight.

Never leave house keys or garage remotes inside your vehicle.

Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.

Trick-or-Treat Guidance for Residents

If you do not wish to receive trick-or-treaters:

Consider placing a sign on your door indicating "No Trick or Treaters Please."

Politely decline participation if visitors call.

Report any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity through the appropriate channels.

Working Together Keeps Our Community Safe

Your local police and council partners are committed to keeping the community safe. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, unknown individuals loitering in the area, or concerns relating to anti-social behaviour.

Remember:

Lock doors and windows

Use security lighting and cameras where possible

Keep valuables out of sight

Stay alert when out and about

Report suspicious activity promptly

Together, by staying vigilant and looking out for one another, we can help ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team!

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Message Sent By
Edmund Boahen
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Roundwood Ward)