Dark season, spotlight on vigilance: Here’s how to protect your home

A Hidden Risk: Summer Timer Settings and Winter Darkness

Although break-ins happen year-round, it’s worth reassessing your home’s security with the darker months in mind.

Many of us forget to adjust outdoor lighting timers after summer, even though it gets dark by late afternoon. If your lights are still set to turn on later in the evening, this leaves a window of opportunity for burglars to sneak in at dusk.

Other risks, like unlocked sheds and unattended tools, are also underestimated at this time of year.

Garden Work in Autumn: A Paradise for Burglars?

Autumn is the season for preparing the garden for winter: moving plants, trimming shrubs, sweeping leaves. While you’re tidying up, it’s easy to leave tools, ladders, and other equipment lying around and unsecured. But a burglar can use these to break in. Leaving garages or sheds unlocked makes it even easier for burglars. A burglar won’t think twice about using the ladder propped up against the apple tree! A well-maintained exterior not only enhances your home’s kerb appeal, it also makes it clear someone’s in residence, so a few adjustments here can go a long way.

In our guide Break-in Protection – everything you need to know, we’ve put together our top security tips to help keep you and your family safe this autumn. Weak spots to watch out for this autumn:

• Ensure bright, even lighting around the outside of your home. Dark corners and nooks attract burglars.
• Adjust outdoor lighting timers to match the shorter days.  
• Put away ladders, garden furniture, and anything that could be used to gain entry.
• Secure tools and equipment in locked sheds or garages.
• Consider installing a burglar alarm system. It makes your home much harder for the perpetrator to target.
• A well-maintained exterior not only signals that the house is occupied, but also reduces the chances for unwanted guests to approach unnoticed.

Prevent Water Damage This Autumn and Winter

Autumn doesn’t just bring security concerns—there’s also the risk of water damage. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in protecting against damages from falling leaves and the onset of cold snaps:

• Regularly clean gutters and drains to avoid blockages caused by leaves.  
• Insulate outdoor water pipes or shut off the taps and completely drain the pipes.
• Check roof hatches are properly sealed and close them properly.
• Strategically installed water detectors will alert you if water or other liquids seep in.

On Their Radar: Burglars Are Watching

The warm festive glow shining from your windows and the cars parked outside tell burglars that a family gathering is in full swing— a signal to steer clear for now. But what happens the next evening? The house is dark and quiet, with no one home. Perhaps you’re off celebrating elsewhere, or maybe you’ve headed to the countryside or the coast for a short break. Burglars are sharp-eyed, they’re particularly alert to empty homes over the holidays.  

Don’t let your absence be an invitation, here are our top tips for staying safe, especially over the festive period:

• Resist the temptation to post photos of gifts or valuable items on social media.
• Keep expensive presents in a secure location until it’s time to give them.
• Always hang onto receipts for valuable items.
• Don’t broadcast your travel plans online.