With the sun setting as early as 4pm in winter, your home becomes much more vulnerable to crime – which is why it's important to have the right security measures in place.
Not only do the longer evenings give burglars more opportunities to fly under the radar, but harsh weather conditions can also weaken entry points around your home.
From setting up a security system (such as the best video doorbells) to giving your outdoor lighting a health-check, our experts share five ways to keep unwanted intruders at bay.
1. Make arming the alarm part of your routine
One of the best ways to keep your home protected is by investing in a home security system – and remembering to arm the alarm each time you leave the house or go to bed.
There are three different types of home security systems to choose from: wired (where hubs, sensors and cameras are cabled through your home and don't require internet access), wireless (usually battery-powered devices that connect through radio frequency or Wi-Fi) and smart (devices that are integrated with a smartphone or smart speaker, but can be either wired or wireless).
Depending on whether you're staying in or going out, your system will usually let you choose between full-arm and part-arm modes, which are triggered by different types of movement. It may also have a pet-friendly setting to avoid them setting it off unnecessarily.
"Check that motion sensors cover the areas you want to protect and that door and window contacts are fitted to all entry points," advises Wayne Kennedy, Head of Smart Security for Yale UK.
Easy to mount on walls and ceilings, this security kit includes two door/window sensors and two internal motion sensors.
Wayne Kennedy is Head of Smart Security for Yale UKI, leading the product innovation, strategy and go-to-market execution for one of the UK’s leading security brands. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the evolving home security landscape, Wayne is dedicated to delivering compelling, market-driven solutions that meet evolving customer demands.
2. Secure sheds, garages and side access before going away
"If you're going away this winter, remember to lock side gates, sheds and garages as well as the house, and put away ladders and tools. A video doorbell or security camera positioned to cover an entrance can also help you keep an eye on activity whilst you're away," recommends Wayne Kennedy.
On the topic of these areas, it's also worth checking them over for any damage caused by storms, heavy rainfall and snow, as extreme weather conditions can cause structures to topple, encourage rot and create cracks in surfaces.
3. Make your home look occupied after dark
Securing your home with an alarm isn't the only thing to consider before leaving the house in winter – you'll also want to avoid making it appear unattended, recommends Sara Best, Director at Toucan Smart Home.
"Think about how your home appears when you're out, particularly if you're planning to travel over the festive period," she says. "Avoid advertising holidays or extended periods away on social media until you've returned."
Gone are the days when you have to leave the landing light on all weekend to make it look like someone's home. Smart lighting or simple timers can create this illusion without racking up your electricity bills or relying on a neighbour.
Smart lighting must-haves
This smart plug lets you control your lamps and electronics at the click of a button, from anywhere in the world.
These smart bulbs let you adjust the power, colour and brightness of your lights using voice commands or the Alexa app.
Sara Best is Director at Toucan Smart Home, a leading provider of smart home security solutions, including video doorbells and security cameras. With extensive experience in the sector, Sara offers expert insight into home security and smart home technology. She is passionate about helping homeowners protect their properties with practical, accessible and affordable security solutions, without the need for expensive subscriptions or complicated installations.
4. Review your outdoor lighting
"With darkness falling much earlier, entrances, driveways, pathways and secluded areas around the property can benefit from well-positioned, motion-activated lighting," says Sarah Best. "This can help eliminate dark spots around the home and make it more difficult for someone to approach unnoticed."
If you're planning on going away for a few days, it's worth buying the best outdoor solar lights, which turn on automatically after dark, or spending a little extra on smart outdoor lighting, which can be controlled at the tap of a button on your phone or triggered by movement.
Not only is good outdoor lighting key to deterring intruders, but it will also help keep you safe as you approach your home, allowing you to see where you're going.
Boasting a 12m detection range and 180° PIR coverage, these smart floodlights can be switched between Motion Mode, Continuous Lighting and Alarm Flashing via your phone.
5. Give existing security equipment a winter health check
If you've already invested in the best security camera, Sarah Best recommends carrying out the following checks:
- Are they positioned to cover key access points?
- Are the lenses clean?
- Are the batteries sufficiently charged?
- Are the motion detection settings working effectively?
- Are notifications enabled?
- Are motion detection zones focused on relevant areas of the property to minimise unnecessary notifications from passing traffic or pedestrians?
"The key is to take a proactive approach rather than waiting until something happens. A few relatively small improvements can help deter opportunistic intruders and provide valuable peace of mind throughout the darker months," concludes Sarah Best.
For more advice, find out whether upgrading to a smart home security system is worth it or browse through the best shed security systems.
