- Halloween Sees Elevated Security Risk
- Some Businesses Face Specific Security Risks in October
- When Are On‑Site Security Guards Needed?
- Assess Risk and Add Security Guards
- Contact The Guard Alliance
Halloween is almost here, with the Holiday Season coming quickly on its heels. Decision-makers in charge of retail, event, and residential facilities will be researching or implementing new risk management strategies in the days ahead. Security guards can offer a flexible, scalable way to safeguard people and assets in America’s ever-shifting risk environment.
Even if your team has security solutions in place, you should consider adding additional guards for Halloween and the Holidays that follow. We’ve put together this short read to help folks in our network understand some of the specific security risks that come with Halloween. We’ll guide you through a basic risk assessment and provide resources for when you’re ready to scale up your on-site guard force.
Halloween Sees Elevated Security Risk
In 2025, it is an unfortunate truth that America’s busy event seasons often witness tragedy. Events like Halloween prompt large gatherings that wrongdoers can exploit. Shootings and fatalities have been an all-too-common occurrence during recent festive seasons.
Even when revelers follow safety best practices, security incidents can occur, and facility owners face the bulk of responsibility. As a result, decision-makers are encouraged to be proactive this time of year. Hire security guards as a precaution, and supplement existing guard teams with additional staff as needed.
Some Businesses Face Specific Security Risks in October
American businesses report rates of theft, vandalism, and general mischief increasing by 40-50% in the lead-up to Halloween. This trend affects business owners and decision makers across industries, but nonetheless hits certain teams hardest:
Retail
The aforementioned spike in theft and vandalism is no doubt felt most acutely by America’s retailers. The holidays account for a large share of retailers’ annual revenue, starting with Halloween in October. Most proactively hire guards in advance, but some may underestimate their on-site risk by hiring too few or none at all.
Even something as simple as increased customer anonymity from mask-wearing can raise the overall risk level for retailers. While it may be too late in the year to install an elaborate camera setup, security guards can be added on an as-needed basis. Conduct a fresh on-site assessment, consult with your team members, and add the appropriate number of on-site guards for your busiest days.
Seasonal Attractions
Haunted houses, corn mazes, and other themed attractions pose an inherent liability risk for stakeholders. The previously mentioned rates of vandalism and mischief are concerning, but themed attractions also include hazardous elements and dark spaces that pose safety risks to attendees.
It can be challenging to predict in advance how a particular crowd will react to your attraction. There may be unanticipated safety concerns that could fall into camera blind spots. Guards are a scalable solution that can address security concerns and observe on-site safety at attractions like haunted houses.
Events
The Holiday Season prompts large gatherings across America, and it kicks off in 2025 with a Friday night Halloween. Cities and towns across the country will be shifting into party mode, and wrongdoers will no doubt seek to take advantage. Best practices for Halloween events demand that decision-makers conduct comprehensive risk assessments before selecting optimal safety and security solutions.
Crowd control is essential, given the elevated risks associated with Halloween. Ensure your event complies with fire code, and you have an adequate number of guards on-site who can observe and assist during an evacuation. Adding guards can also help facilitate access control.
When Are On‑Site Security Guards Needed?
Most retail and event spaces will likely have security guards ready to go for the busy days ahead. Even if you have guards on-site already, consider adding more during peak periods or when:
- Crowded events or venues demand access control
- High‑value assets (merchandise, displays) are exposed
- Previous crime or vandalism history suggests an elevated risk
- Costume anonymity or mask usage increases concealment risk
- Local regulations, insurance, or licensing require security presence
- Nonconventional venues are serving alcohol or late‑night entertainment
- Security systems (alarms, cameras, access control) are impaired or offline
Assess Risk and Add Security Guards
Adding security to your on-site team should be done holistically. Consider all aspects of your business and the challenges you’ll face during the holidays as you follow these steps:
- Conduct a security risk assessment (premises, layout, foot traffic, vulnerable zones)
- Ask local law enforcement or licensing authority about required security levels
- Hire qualified guard services (licensed, trained, insured)
- Determine staffing levels, shifts, and positioning
- Integrate with surveillance cameras and other measures in place
- Establish communication tools, incident reporting procedures, and escalation protocols
- Develop a plan for crowd management (flow, bottlenecks)
- Log all guard activity (time, location, incidents)
- Post-event debrief, evaluation, and adjustment
Contact The Guard Alliance
The Guard Alliance is a leading national provider of same-day security and fire watch deployments. Whether your team is conducting risk assessments for the peak holiday season or you need guards immediately to beef up security for Halloween, The Guard Alliance is ready to assist. Contact us immediately if you need guards on-site today.
