While Halloween is a time for unique social gatherings filled with costumes, candy, and startling porch decorations, it can also be a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe community. No parent wants to intrude upon a growing child’s sense of independence on Halloween night, but for many, a strong sense of protectiveness during Halloween is a valid fear. For National Crime Prevention Month this October, communities across the country are celebrating the importance of maintaining a safe neighborhood.

For Portland, OR, National Crime Prevention Month is a time to promote community unity and provide ways to improve neighborhood security. This month, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention Program is hosting a variety of free activities and seminars to educate community members on topics such as bicycle safety, public transportation safety tactics, and proper use of emergency resources.  By becoming educated on crime prevention, community members can improve their own sense of security at home, while also ensuring the streets are safe this fall.  To prevent crime in your neighborhood, take a look at these tips for improving your home security system:

• Keep valuable possessions out of sight.
• Don’t keep a spare key around. If you must, be smart about it and choose a hidden location.
• Don’t hesitate to get help. Police can be used to prevent a burglary before it even happens.
• Prepare before vacation by pausing your mail service or asking a neighbor to take care of your mail.
• Get to know your neighbors. Community is important.
• Lock your home; leaving your doors unlocked is an invitation for any burglar.

Educating your neighborhood on security is important, as it creates an important sense of community and gives people the tools to fight crime. Visit us at Secure Pacific to learn more about our residential security systems.