As the days grow shorter and the evenings darker, many of us start spending more time inside our homes. While autumn and winter bring us so much comfort and excitement as we head into the festive season, they also bring an increase in opportunistic crime. Longer nights provide more cover for burglars and car thieves, making this the perfect time of year to review your home and business security.
At Herts Security Systems, we believe prevention is always better than cure so here’s how to make sure your security is up to scratch as the nights draw in.
1. Check Your Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective deterrents. Thieves prefer to operate in the dark as they are less likely to be caught, so ensure that any entrances, driveways, or side paths are well-lit. Motion-activated lights are especially useful as they conserve energy and can startle anyone trying to approach your property unnoticed and even make you more aware of on-goings outside.
If you already have lighting installed, take a few minutes to check that bulbs are working, sensors are positioned correctly, and timers are set for the correct hours covering sunset to sunrise.
2. Secure Doors and Windows
It might seem obvious, but many burglaries occur simply because a door or window was left unlocked. As temperatures drop, we often close our windows and entrance ways earlier in the day but it’s still so easy to forget a bathroom window or side gate.
Consider upgrading to smart locks or reinforced deadbolts for added peace of mind. For windows, fitting additional locks or laminated glass can provide extra resistance against forced entry. Perhaps consider soft close hinges, where possible to ensure no gates are left wide open, even if unlocked, as some burglars may not check the finer details if an opportunity is not clearly available.
If you have uPVC doors, make sure to lift the handle and turn the key to properly engage the multi-point locking system
3. Clever Timing
A dark, quiet house (especially with a mountain of unread letters by the front door) is a clear sign that no one’s home. Use timer switches or smart plugs to turn lights and even the TV on and off while you’re out. Smart home systems allow you to control lighting remotely, giving the impression that your house is occupied - a simple but effective way to deter burglars.
Be sure to have the lights, tv and smart plugs to turn on at random times as frequent times may give away your ploy.
4. Keep Gardens and Driveways Clear
Overgrown hedges, tall shrubs, unkept tree branches and cluttered driveways offer convenient hiding spots for potential intruders. Be sure to trim back any vegetation that blocks light or obscures your home’s entrances.
If you have valuables such as bikes, tools, or garden furniture, secure them with heavy-duty locks or store them in a locked, stable shed.
Vehicle crime often rises during the darker months; in fact this is the time of year where we start to see a rise in vehicle thefts across the country. Opportunist thieves look for unlocked cars or those with visible valuables, despite being locked. Always double-check that your vehicle is locked, even if it’s parked on your driveway, and keep keys away from doors or windows.
For keyless cars, use a Faraday pouch (easily purchasable through Amazon and Halfords etc) to block signals and prevent relay theft. Steering wheel locks and alarms like the CarDefender from Pyronix (a trusted product we install regularly) and GPS trackers provide an extra layer of protection and can often reduce your insurance premiums too.
Be sure to hide any valuables such as purses, handbags, shopping bags whilst parked in dark car parks and be sure to remove these entirely once you are home.
6. Invest in a Reliable Security System
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to consider installing or upgrading your home or business security system. Modern systems can include:
CCTV cameras with remote viewing
Smart alarms connected to your phone
Motion sensors and door/window sensors
24/7 monitored systems for immediate response to incidents
At Herts Security Systems, we design bespoke solutions to suit your property and budget. Whether you’re looking for a simple alarm system or a fully integrated smart setup, we can help you find the right fit.
7. Don’t Forget About Outbuildings
Garages, sheds, and workshops are often overlooked, yet they’re filled with valuable tools, bikes, and equipment. Ensure all of your current locks are sturdy, and replace any weak padlocks with heavy-duty alternatives.
Consider fitting a shed alarm - they’re inexpensive and can make a big difference to alerting you to movement or potential intrusion to your shed or garage.
8. Be a Good Neighbour
Security isn’t just about gadgets, as useful as they may be. Community awareness goes a long way too. Keep an eye on your neighbours’ properties and report anything suspicious. Many areas have Neighbourhood Watch schemes that share updates and advice. Take a look at the website fir OWL as there is lots of advice in this area.
If you’re heading away for a few days, let a trusted neighbour know so they can collect post or move bins, helping your home appear occupied. Little transactions like that, can really change how an intruder perceives your house, even if you are on holiday!
Stay Safe This Winter
As the nights draw in, a little preparation can make all the difference to your home and business. Take time this week to check locks, lighting, and alarms, and make sure your property feels safe and secure.
At Herts Security Systems, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. Whether it’s upgrading your CCTV, adding smart lighting, or installing a full security system, our experts can provide tailored advice and professional installation depending on your circumstances.
Contact us today to arrange a free security assessment - and head into the darker months with complete peace of mind.