Eventually, regardless of where you live, you will get up one fine morning and discover some of your props missing or damaged. Or, if you are running a small haunted attraction, you will have to deal with unruly patrons. Below are some ideas for keeping your property, and yourself, safe.
- Stake, tie, chain, or glue down everything! Anything that can be picked up and carried away, will be. This applies to both outdoor decorations, and props in a walk-through haunt. Don't assume that something won't be stolen just because there are people around. While you can't stop a determined thief, you can slow him down and make him go somewhere else.
- Install a motion-activated light near your haunt. Vandals, like vampires, hate light.
- Set up a video camera in a window. Display a sign that a security camera monitors the property. It is better to use a professionally produced sign than a hand lettered one. You can usually find these at Radio Shack. While this may not prevent vandalism, you can at least catch the little monsters on tape.
- Have someone nearby to help. If you a running a small haunted attraction at your home, have some large friends or relatives on hand to handle unruly teenagers and adults. Remember, it's your property, and anyone you don't want to be there is legally trespassing.
- Bring inside at night anything that is valuable or easily broken. "Valuable" doesn't necessarily mean "Expensive". Those plaster skulls that took you weeks to cast and paint are certainly valuable to you if not others. This may mean creating props that can be disassembled quickly, to remove valuable items.
- Make friends with your neighbors. Friendly neighbors watch out for each other. Ask them to keep an eye on your props. And keep an eye on their stuff too.
- Install alarms. I'm not a big fan of this for three reasons: false alarms, false alarms and false alarms. False alarms annoy your friendly neighbors and wake you up at night.
- Speak softly and carry a big stick, gun, or dog. (I'm from Texas) Use at your discretion. I assume no responsibility!
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