A PROPERTY expert has revealed the decorations which can pose a security risk for your house this Halloween.
Five decor mistakes can make it easier for someone to steal from your home.
A property expert revealed the Halloween decor mistakes that may be attracting burglars to your home[/caption]
According to the pro, giant inflatable decorations can provide good hiding places for burglars[/caption]
Joseph Lane, who works as a property expert at Mortgage Lane shared the five habits to rethink ahead of Halloween that could put your property at risk.
To celebrate the spooky season, homeowners decorate their homes with festive decorations like pumpkins, skeletons, and cobwebs.
While this adds to the fun of the season, it’s important to be mindful of how your decorations might unintentionally make your home a target for burglars.
Joseph broke down the best ways to protect your property this autumn.
KEEPING YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS ON ALL NIGHT
Many homeowners believe that leaving their exterior lights on overnight can deter burglars. However, this strategy can backfire.
Experienced burglars often recognise that a constantly lit house may indicate that the occupants are away, relying solely on lights as a deterrent.
“Use timers or smart lighting solutions to simulate normal household activity,” advises Joseph.
“This can help reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted by burglars.
“The goal is to make your home appear occupied and active, not simply illuminated.”
LEAVING YOUR WINDOWS OPEN FOR EERIE SOUND EFFECTS
While it may be tempting to open a window to allow spooky sound effects to echo outside, doing so can compromise your home’s security.
“Open windows can provide easy access for intruders,” warns the expert.
“Instead, invest in outdoor speakers to achieve a similar haunting ambiance without putting your home at risk.”
DISPLAYING EXPENSIVE ELECTRONICS
When you’re decorating your house for Halloween, be careful what you put in your windows or yard.
If you have expensive stuff like projectors or fancy sound systems, they may attract burglars.
“Try to hide your valuable devices or don’t use them for your decorations,” recommends Joseph.
Tacky Halloween decorations
Interiors expert Miriam Gomez revealed the seven mistakes that are making your Halloween decorations look tacky.
- Too much orange and black can make your home look like a Halloween shop.
- Plastic tombstones come across as cartoonish rather than spooky.
- Too many lights can be overwhelming, mix in some candles instead.
- Fake materials and too much glitter can make your house look cheap.
- Loud repetitive sounds can be incredibly annoying for you and your neighbours.
- Inflatable garden decor look tacky and can float into your neighbour’s garden.
- Not embracing classic elements such as carved pumpkins.
“The idea is to have fun with Halloween without advertising your home’s contents to potential thieves.”
NEGLECTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING
You might think that leaving the lights off all night can save you money, but it’s actually not a good idea.
Dark areas around your house are like hiding places for burglars, they can sneak up on your house without being seen.
“Use motion-sensor lights to illuminate key entry points and other vulnerable spots,” suggests the property pro.
“This not only scares away burglars but also makes it safer for kids navigating your yard.”
USING OVERSIZED DECORATIONS THAT BLOCK VISIBILITY
Those big, bouncy Halloween decorations can be fun, but, according to the expert, they also make ideal hiding places for burglars.
If they’re blocking your windows or doors, it’s harder for neighbours to see what’s happening.
“It’s better to choose smaller decorations that don’t cover up your house,” says Joseph.
“That way, people can see if anything suspicious is going on. It’s like an extra layer of protection.”
