Winter brings longer nights, colder weather, and — unfortunately — an increased risk of burglary. The darker evenings give opportunistic thieves more cover, and many homeowners inadvertently make their properties more vulnerable during the winter months. Here are our top winter home security tips to keep your property safe.
1. Check Your Locks Before Winter Sets In
Cold weather can cause door frames to contract and expand, making locks stiff or difficult to operate. Have your locks checked and serviced before winter to ensure they are functioning correctly. If any locks are worn or damaged, replace them now rather than waiting for a problem to occur.
2. Upgrade to British Standard Locks
If your locks do not meet British Standard BS3621, winter is a good time to upgrade. Five-lever mortice locks and high-security cylinders provide significantly better protection than standard locks.
3. Use Timer Switches
During the winter months, it gets dark early — often before people return home from work. Timer switches on lights, radios, and TVs make your home appear occupied even when it is empty, deterring opportunistic burglars.
4. Secure Your Outbuildings
Garden sheds, garages, and outbuildings are often targeted in winter for tools and equipment. Ensure all outbuildings are secured with quality padlocks and that any ladders or tools that could be used to access your home are locked away.
5. Check Your CCTV and Alarm Systems
If you have CCTV or a burglar alarm, check that everything is working correctly before winter. Clean camera lenses, check battery backups, and test alarm sensors. If you do not have these systems, winter is a good time to consider installing them.
6. Be Careful with Social Media
Avoid posting about holiday plans or extended absences on social media. Burglars increasingly use social media to identify empty properties.
7. Join a Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch schemes are particularly effective during winter when communities need to look out for each other. If there is not one in your area, consider starting one.
8. Secure Your Letterbox
Letterboxes can be used by burglars to fish for keys or manipulate door handles. A letterbox cage or restrictor prevents this type of attack.
9. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Do not leave valuable items visible through windows. In winter, when it is dark outside and lights are on inside, your home is effectively a display window for anyone passing by.
10. Have a Trusted Neighbour
Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property, collect post, and report anything suspicious. A house that looks lived-in is far less attractive to burglars.
For professional security advice and services this winter, contact Keys4U on 033 3305 2993. We cover London and the UK with fast, professional locksmith and security services.
