Homeowners across the UK have been encouraged to inspect their outdoor lighting before the clocks go back this Sunday, as faulty systems could leave properties vulnerable to burglars.
With sunset times dropping to as early as 4:39pm from October 26, properties without adequate illumination face heightened risks.
Therefore, lighting professionals say now's the time to check bulbs, batteries, and wiring before darkness falls.
The warning comes as police data reveals a staggering 217,314 burglaries were reported across England and Wales this year (although, in some good news, this is an 11 per cent decrease from 2024).
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"Broken outdoor lighting is a huge advantage for burglars, as it decreases their visibility and provides greater confidence for avoiding detection," warns LED & Power's Sam Garbutt.
The most frequent culprits behind lighting failures include burnt-out bulbs, exhausted batteries, and damaged wiring.
Thankfully, Britons can spot these problems by physically examining their lights and cables, then testing whether everything switches on properly when connected.
Britons should physically examine their outdoor lights and cables before October 26
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For those who discover faults, outdoor lighting specialist Mr Garbutt recommends several security upgrades.
These include fitting motion-sensor lights, positioning illumination towards doors and walkways, brightening shadowy areas where thieves might lurk, and directing beams towards spots covered by security cameras.
It's crucial to note that properly functioning outdoor lights create the impression that someone is home and alert – the ultimate deterrent for opportunistic invaders.
The expert warned: "Failing to maintain your outdoor lighting before the winter months can significantly decrease your property's security and heighten the risk of intruders.
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Deter wannabe intruders by illuminating doors and walkways
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"A lack of outdoor lighting can create the impression that your property is vacant and encourage burglaries, especially if entry points aren't well-lit, as burglars can enter your home undetected."
Providing a time-sensitive warning, the expert urged Britons to make these key checks now, so there's time to rectify any issues before Sunday.
He concluded: "If your outdoor lighting isn't working, it's crucial you fix it before October 26 or you will place your property at risk of a break-in."
How to improve your property's outdoor lighting
- Install motion-activated lights to detect movement.
- Angle lights towards important entry points and pathways.
- Illuminate dark corners where intruders could hide.
- Angle lights towards areas covered by security cameras for better visibility.
Looking for more ways to burglar-proof your property? One home security expert identified three blind spots thieves love.
Meanwhile, a garage specialist asked Britons if their home is an "easy target", sharing five measures to protect their most valuable items.
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