Experts have warned that Irish homes need to worry about more than just keeping their trick or treating supplies well stocked this Halloween, as leaving lights on may lead to an unexpected issue
11:35, 31 Oct 2025Updated 12:29, 31 Oct 2025
Night shot of illuminated pumpkins in front of a house
Halloween is here, and households across the nation are preparing for an evening of visitors, ringing doorbells and characters wandering the streets.
But experts have issued a warning to Irish households who need to be alert to more than just their depleting trick or treating supplies over the course of the night. Recent studies have revealed that Halloween sees a 17% surge in crime-related insurance claims, with 60% of these incidents involving property theft.
And according to the specialists, your habit of leaving lights on or off for trick or treaters depending on whether you’re in could actually make your home a prime target for burglars.
Doug Van Soest, owner of SoCal Home Buyers, told the Irish Mirror that one surprisingly common mistake is leaving indoor lights on long after the trick or treating has finished – a move intended to ward off crime but which can actually signal to thieves that the house is empty, reports RSVP Live.
“A lot of homeowners believe keeping their lights on throughout the night deters burglars, giving the illusion that residents are present, whether they’re at home or not. However, this common practice can actually backfire, especially during Halloween”, he explained.
“Experienced burglars scout neighbourhoods, looking for homes with lights constantly on late into the night. They know this is a tactic homeowners use when away, inadvertently signalling an unoccupied house. On Halloween, this risk is amplified. While many homes keep their exterior dark for a spooky atmosphere, interior lights left on after trick or treating hours stand out even more. This makes it easier for intruders to see whether anyone is moving inside, or if the home is empty.
“We recommend being strategic with your lighting, particularly on Halloween night. Both during trick or treating and after it ends, consider turning off most lights or using timers to create a more natural pattern. This approach is far more effective in deterring potential break-ins than leaving lights on continuously. Remember, the goal is to make your home appear lived-in and active, not just illuminated.”
Irish homes who leave lights on for trick or treaters issued serious warning
Gardai have also issued six key tips to stay safe over Halloween:
- Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be participating
- Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating
- Please trick or treat in lit up areas or otherwise ensure that you are highly visible to road users
- Remember that it is a criminal offence for any person to throw fireworks in the street or in other public places
- Do not engage in throwing things like eggs and flour. This is vandalism and may be classed as criminal damage
- Please care for the environment – illegal fireworks and illegal bonfires can not only be extremely dangerous but cause lasting environmental damage.
Last month, Inspector Ciaran Nunan of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau warned: “Halloween is a family occasion full of excitement and fun for young and old. We are appealing to parents and guardians, particularly those with young children, to be aware of the serious danger of fireworks and the nuisance they cause to communities.
“Fireworks are illegal, and young people especially need to be fully aware that it is a criminal offence to throw or direct any ignited firework at a person or property. Over the coming weeks, Community Policing Gardaí will be visiting schools to speak with children about the dangers and criminal offences associated with fireworks.
“An Garda Síochána will be proactively targeting the supply of illegal or unlicensed fireworks under our national operation, Operation Tombola. Illegal fireworks are seized so as to prevent anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents including possible injury and we will prosecute those responsible.”
Should anyone find themselves in a dangerous situation during Halloween, the gardai urge you to dial 999/112 for immediate help.
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