How Businesses Can Combat Halloween Vandalism

By Aaron Reese

10/22/09

Kansas City, MO - As Halloween nears, news stories about vandalism are slowly picking up pace across the country. In Minneapolis, recent high school graduates topped off a series of pranks this October by causing $4,000 in damage to a home. According to the New York Times, "the house...was festooned in toilet paper. It was bombarded with eggs. Pumpkins were smashed. Human waste was deposited on the front stoop, grease was smeared on a car, tampons were left behind." [1] Last month in Hawaii, vandals caused an incredible $3 million damage to Hawaiian Cement when they used a Caterpillar front-end loader to tip a cement truck. [2] The rampant damage will, of course, peak on Halloween night. Vandals rarely need an excuse to smash stuff up, but Halloween serves as a stimulant for destructive behavior.

Most Halloween vandals terrorize residential neighborhoods, smashing pumpkins, and stealing children's candy. That does not mean vandals stay put. With a frenzied, destructive attitude, they aimlessly blast their way through towns. With no goal in mind, they have been known to blaze paths into business districts. Last year in Seattle a US Bank and Starbucks were vandalized, causing an estimated $8,000 damage. [3]

Businesses can limit the amount of damage caused by vandals and take measures to ensure their capture. The most preventative methods are the simplest.

  • Lock doors. If vandals cannot open the doors, at least the inside of the business will remain unmolested.
  • The same goes for any company vehicles left in a lot and especially gates to that lot. Vehicles are popular targets for vandals. Make it as difficult as possible to get near them or in them.
  • All security systems should be armed and in working order. Sometimes vandals can be deterred by notices of security systems.
  • Cameras are a great benefit. They can help the police identify vandals and provide vital evidence for convictions.
  • Motion sensor lights are a deterrent. No vandal wants to be standing in bright light while committing crimes. Lights will also help cameras pick up details in the night.
  • If a business doesn't have motion lights, it may be a good idea to leave the light on for the night.
  • Five dollar magnetic strip alarms are handy for small businesses without security systems. Arm them on doors and windows and vandals might be scared away by the noise, not knowing if the police will be soon notified

Most business owners already know the importance of security. Halloween is the one night of the year he should double and triple check security. It might save him from downtime while he deals with cleanup and insurance. He also needs to be sure not to let those annoying vandals ruin his Halloween fun.

[1] Davey, Monica. "Minneapolis's Elite Pursue Pranks by Lawsuit." New York Times. 12 Oct 2009.
[2] "Vandals Cause $3M in Damage to Maui Cement Plant" KITV-TV. 26 Sept 2009.
[34] Castro, Hector. "Halloween revelers vandalize bank and a Starbucks." Seattle P.I. 1 Nov 2008.