Expert tips to keep your home secure in the dark nights

The clocks go back soon, and with it comes the longer nights, and unfortunately, an increase in burglaries. There were 288,000 burglaries in the UK from April 2022 to March 2023 - an increase of more than 10,000 from the year before. More than 60 per cent of these took place during darkness.

However, there are many ways that we can protect our homes from any break in, and now is a perfect time to get it done. Or experts have put together a quick guide for you to check your home is as safe as possible before the dark nights arrive.

These vary from unusual tips such as gravelling your driveway, to more traditional methods such as installing a burglar alarm, to keep your property professionally secured.

Andy Simms, an expert from MyBuilder.com, said that now is the perfect time to get your home protected.

“The nights are really starting to lengthen, but we still have a few weeks before it’s dark before many of us get home from work.

“It’s a good time to get some work done to make sure our homes are as safe as possible before the long nights. Our advice includes some simple checks you can complete yourself, but others will require the services of a professional, so if you’re considering investing in solid security systems, it’s best to book soon.”

##How to make your home safe

###Gravel your driveway Our first security tip is to lay gravel around your home. If you are able to use gravel as a path or driveway surface, the noise could help fend off intruders, plus also bring a new clean appearance to the exterior of your property. If a potential thief is “casing” your property, a gravel driveway gives them limited access to your home without making a fair amount of noise, which will act as a deterrent.

###Keep doors and windows locked Statistics show that a third of burglars gain entry through forcing a lock, 24 per cent of burglars gain access through a window, 76 per cent through a door, with 15 per cent of these came through doors or windows that were left unlocked.

Check all doors are locked when leaving the property, or even when you are inside. Ensure keys are not left in windows or doors or left in sight. It is also advisable to ensure you have fully working and secure locks - and seek advice if you are concerned your locks are not up to current standards.

Unlocked doors and windows can also invalidate your home insurance cover if you aren't at home.

###Light up your property If you are going out or to bed, consider leaving a light on or installing security lighting. Some lighting systems allow timers to switch on as it approaches darkness; others have motion detectors. An electrician can help install secure systems in a short space of time.

###Secure your valuables Don’t leave your valuables in sight to tempt any passing thieves. Laptops, phones, jewellery and other valuables should all be secured out of sight. Jewellery and watches are two of the most common items to be targeted in a robbery. Consider installing a safe for valuable or sentimental items, to keep them out of harm’s way in the event of a break in.

###Install a burglar alarm A burglar alarm is one of the most effective ways to ensure your house is more secure. It can be set when you are away from your house, or when going to bed. If you already have a burglar alarm installed, get it serviced and checked before the winter season. Once you have your alarm, don’t neglect to set it, as not activating your alarm could invalidate your home insurance.

The quality of home cameras has improved leaps and bounds in recent years while prices have fallen, making them more accessible than ever. If you want something more substantial, speak to a security specialist who can talk you through your options.

###Protect your outdoor property too Outhouses, summer houses, sheds, garages, vehicles, trailers, and garden offices should all be locked and secured as these can be just as tempting for a potential burglar.

Check that all doors and windows on these are up to standard, and consider getting a professional if there’s any damage that makes them easy to access. Lighting around these outdoor spaces is especially vital, so it’s worth investing in some external timed or motion activated systems.

###CCTV CCTV is becoming increasingly more popular for homes and businesses. With ever improving technology, CCTV is even more effective at night nowadays with HD night vision. It can also be surprisingly affordable to install, with prices starting around £500.

###Video doorbell A cheaper alternative to CCTV and easier to install, but still very effective. You can track visitors to your home via your phone and even speak to anyone on your doorstep. Many smart doorbells also track movement across their line of sight, so can be instrumental in preventing break ins. Don’t forget to use the stickers or signs that come with these as an extra deterrent.

###Check your boundaries Having a secure boundary to your property is a major deterrent to thieves. Check your fencing isn’t damaged, gates have proper locks, and hedges don’t have any gaps in them. It’s also advisable to ensure lighting and CCTV reach these areas too. If you have a side access, make sure this is secure and consider installing a bell on any gate.