As the nights draw in and the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s important to consider your home security. The winter months can be a prime time for burglars. They take advantage of the cover of darkness and the fact that many people are away from home celebrating the festive season.

Try these top tips to protect your home this winter.

Why Is Home Security Important in Winter?
According to UK crime statistics, domestic burglaries are 1.14x more likely to happen in the winter months compared to the summer. There are several reasons for this:

Longer nights mean more hours of darkness for burglars to operate under
People are more likely to be away from home visiting family and friends or going on winter holidays
Christmas gifts and other valuables are often left in unoccupied homes
Harsh weather conditions can sometimes lead to power cuts and outages, compromising security systems

While the winter period does present unique challenges, there are many steps you can take to secure your home. By implementing some simple security measures, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on making the most of the winter and festive season.

What Are the Best Ways to Secure Your Home in Winter?
The best ways to secure your home in winter include:

1. Invest in a Home Security System
Only about 32% of homes in the UK have a security system even though systems like burglar alarms and CCTV cameras can reduce crime by 13%-14%. Modern smart security systems can alert you via your smartphone about any suspicious activity. This way, you can respond quickly and alert the relevant authorities if needed.

When choosing a home security system, look for one that includes:

Door and window sensors to detect any attempted break-ins
Motion detectors to alert you to any movement inside your home
Outdoor security cameras with night vision to monitor your property’s perimeter
Smart home integration so you can control and monitor your system remotely

2. Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked

It may seem like common sense, but many burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows – in fact, nearly 30%. Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even when you’re at home.

If you’re going away for an extended period, consider investing in smart locks that allow you to monitor and control access to your home remotely. Don’t leave spare keys outside in obvious places, as experienced burglars will know where to look.

3. Use Timer Switches on Your Lights

Leaving your home in complete darkness is a clear sign to burglars that it’s empty. Use timer switches on your indoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re away. Set the timers to switch lights on and off in different rooms at staggered intervals to simulate normal occupancy patterns.

Don’t forget about outdoor lighting, too. Motion-activated security lights can startle potential intruders and draw attention to any suspicious activity around your property’s perimeter. Choose outdoor lights with built-in cameras for an extra layer of security.

4. Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight

Avoid leaving expensive items like laptops, jewellery, and cash in plain view of windows, especially if you’re going away. Consider investing in a safe to store your most precious possessions. Don’t leave packaging from expensive gifts outside your home where it can be seen, as this can advertise what’s inside to potential burglars.

5. Cancel Any Regular Deliveries

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers on your doorstep is a clear sign that you’re away from home. If you’re going on holiday, make sure to cancel any regular deliveries like milk or newspapers. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property and remove any deliveries that do accumulate.

6. Maintain Your Garden and Driveway

An unkempt garden or driveway covered in snow can be a giveaway that your home is unoccupied. If you’re going away, arrange for a neighbour or professional service to maintain your garden and clear your driveway of snow and ice. This will create the impression that your home is still being lived in and deter any opportunistic burglars.

7. Secure Any Outbuildings and Perimeter Structures

Sheds, garages, and other outbuildings can be a target for burglars looking for tools to break into your main property. Make sure any outbuildings are properly secured with high-quality locks and consider installing outdoor security lights to deter intruders.

Don’t overlook your property’s perimeter, either. Tall fences, security gates, and defensive planting can all make it harder for burglars to access your home. You may also want to consider installing residential bollards or barriers at the end of your driveway to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

8. Check Your Home Insurance Policy

It’s a good idea to check your home insurance policy before winter sets in. Make sure you’re covered for any winter-related risks like burst pipes, flooding, and storm damage. Consider adding extra cover for high-value items like jewellery, art, and electronics, especially if you’re going away over the Christmas period.

Some insurers offer discounts if you have certain security measures in place, so it’s worth checking if you could save money by investing in a burglar alarm, security cameras, or bollards.

Are Bollards Effective for Home Security?
Bollards are a highly effective way to increase your home’s security all year round. These short, sturdy posts can be installed along your property’s perimeter to control access and deter intruders.

There are several different types of bollards available, including:

Fixed bollards that are permanently installed into the ground to create a secure perimeter
Removable bollards that can be taken out when access is needed, such as for deliveries or emergency services
Rising or telescopic bollards that can be raised and lowered as needed using a manual or automatic mechanism
Security bollards that provide a visual deterrent as well as a physical barrier

Bollards are a great addition to any home security setup. They provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access. They can be used to secure driveways, gardens, pathways, and other vulnerable areas around your property’s perimeter.

When choosing bollards for your home, look for ones that are:

Made from high-strength materials like steel, stainless steel, or reinforced concrete
Designed to withstand vehicular impacts and prevent ram-raiding
Fitted with additional security features like locks, alarms, and lights
Able to integrate with your wider security system for enhanced protection

At Macs Bollards, they offer a wide range of high-security bollards and barriers that are perfect for home use. Their products are designed and tested to the highest industry standards, so you can have peace of mind that your property is fully protected against intruders.

Stay Safe and Secure This Winter with Macs Bollards

As the days get shorter and the weather gets harsher, it’s important to take steps to keep your home safe and secure. By following our top winter home security tips and investing in high-quality security products like bollards, you can enjoy peace of mind all season long.

At Macs Bollards, they're committed to helping homeowners and businesses stay protected against crime. Their range of fixed, removable, and retractable bollards are designed to provide a solid first line of defence against unauthorised access and vehicular threats.

Contact them today for more information.