How To Protect Your Home From Winter Burglaries: Expert Tips For Darker Months

At Everywhen, we’re here to protect what matters most to you – every day (and every night).

As the clocks go back and the nights get longer, it’s natural to think more about home security. Darkness can make it easier for opportunists to go unnoticed – and with Christmas just around the corner, our homes start to fill with gifts, making them even more attractive to burglars.

Did you know that burglary rates typically rise in darker months?¹ Last year, there were over 166,577 break-ins across England and Wales.²

That’s why we’re sharing practical, expert-backed advice to help you keep your home secure this winter.

We believe in accessible expertise – so here are 10 simple but effective ways to make your home less inviting to opportunistic burglars.

1.     Lock up (even when you’re home)

Did you know that in 69% of residential burglary incidents, someone is home?³ It’s easy to feel safe when you’re inside, but keeping doors and windows locked is essential – and normally is condition of your insurance.

If your doors and windows aren’t locked, it will affect your cover and even invalidate a claim. So, even when you are home, get into the habit of locking all doors and windows.

 2.     Upgrade to British Standard locks

Strong locks don’t just protect your home – they help protect your insurance too. Most insurers ask that doors and windows meet the British Standard of security as part of your cover.

If these requirements aren’t met, you might not be covered if you need to make a claim. Upgrading to British Standard locks is a relatively small change that can make a big difference. 

3.     Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious places

Burglars know the common hiding spots, like underneath doormats and flowerpots, or tucked behind bins.

A safer option is to leave a spare key with someone you trust nearby, like a family member or neighbour.

If you need to keep a key on your property, buy a secure lockbox and fit it somewhere discreet, away from the front of your home. 

4.     Keep valuables out of sight

Windows aren’t shopfronts. If expensive items are clearly visible from the street, it can make your home more tempting to opportunists. Keep your phones, laptops, purses/wallet, car keys and other items away from your windows and doors. 

5.     Draw your curtains/blinds

Don’t make your living room a goldfish bowl. Draw your curtains/blinds when it starts getting dark, and you turn your lights on. You may not be able to see out, but anyone passing by can see straight in. 

6.     Invest in timer switches

An empty home can be tempting. Help your home looked lived in, even when you’re not there. Use a timer switch to turn on lights inside the house in the evenings. Police UK recommends LED bulbs rather than conventional bulbs as they don’t generate heat, so it reduces the fire risk, especially when you’re not there⁴.

7.     Use your alarm

If you’ve got a burglar alarm, use it. Alarms are a strong deterrent and a reactive safeguard. One survey showed that 60% of burglars would avoid targeting a home with a security alarm⁵. 

8.     Manage your post

If you’re going away for a few days, ask someone to collect your mail to make sure it doesn’t pile up. Visible mail poking out the letter box or collecting in a pile on the floor, is a clear sign to intruders that no-one’s home. 

9.     Clear the snow from your driveway or path

Untouched snow can signal to burglars that your property is unoccupied. Ask a neighbour or family to clear it or even just walk across it to create the impression that someone is home. 

10.  Be careful what you share on social media

Many of us love sharing our lives on social media, especially when we go on holiday or when sharing thoughtful gifts from loved ones. But, unfortunately, burglars use these platforms too. That’s why it’s worth being careful about what you share on social media – and to check your privacy settings on the platforms you use. 

If your home will be empty for more than 30 consecutive days, it’s essential to let your insurer know. Most policies include conditions once a property has been vacant for this length of time – and you may not be covered if these aren’t met.

Unoccupied home insurance can provide the extra protection you need during longer absences. For shorter holidays or day-to-day outings, standard home insurance is usually enough – but following these important steps above can help you reduce the risk and gives you peace of mind.

We’re proud to stand by our communities, offering effortless experiences and expert support when it matters most. If you’d like to explore how Everywhen can help arrange insurance protection for your home this winter, visit our home and property insurance webpage.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.

Sources:

[1] https://keyways.co.uk/did-you-know-burglary-rates-often-spike-in-winter-%F0%9F%94%92-heres-how-to-keep-your-home-safe/

[2] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2025

[3] https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/home-insurance/burglary-statistics#:~:text=Odds%20are%20someone%20is%20at,victim%20of%20force%20or%20violence.

[4] https://www.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/

[5 ]https://www.gmsefireandsecurity.co.uk/blog/are-burglar-alarms-worth-it-2025