Skip to content

Ready for winter guides

Darker nights, safer homes

Simple ways to keep your home secure as the evenings draw in.

The clocks go back at the end of October, and longer evenings give opportunists more cover.

A study of ten years of UK police records found burglary is more likely in darkness than in daylight.

Uttley and others, PLOS One, 2025
  • Fit outside lights with motion sensors or timers at doors and paths.
  • Use timer switches on indoor lamps when you’re out.
  • Check door and window locks, and lock sheds and garages.
  • Keep tools and ladders locked away so they can’t be used to break in.
  • If you use smart cameras or doorbells, change default passwords and keep them updated.