5 Home Security Tips for Darker Nights

As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, home security becomes more important than ever. With burglary rates peaking in the winter months, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics, now is the time to make sure your Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or South Yorkshire home feels safe and protected.

To help, we have put together our top five practical tips to secure your home this season, from simple habits to smart technology and professional-grade products.

1. Secure Your Front Door

With two-thirds of burglaries happening through the front door, it is vital to make this your first line of defence.

Look for features such as five-point locking systems, anti-snap, bump, and drill cylinders, and PAS24 accreditation. Our composite doors are a strong choice, combining a high-density foam core and thick glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) skin for superior durability.

Police also recommend keeping your front door locked at all times, including when you are at home, as statistics show that 33% of burglaries take place while occupants are present. Small additions such as spyholes and letterbox guards add extra layers of protection and peace of mind.

2. Lock Windows and Patio Doors

Windows, patio, and bifold doors are another potential entry point. Always keep them locked when not in use, remove keys from the locks and store them in a safe but accessible place in case of emergency.

To make your windows and patio doors as secure as possible, choose options with PAS24 rated locking mechanisms and consider upgrading to laminated or toughened glass for added resistance.

Privacy also plays a big part in security. Keep valuables such as car keys, wallets, and electronics out of sight. Installing integral blinds is an easy, low-maintenance way to enhance security and privacy. Built inside the glazing, they prevent prying eyes and help keep valuables out of sight while maintaining a clean, modern look.

3. Light Up Your Home

A well-lit home is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents. Install motion-sensor lighting around key entry points to discourage unwanted visitors. Inside, consider using timed or smart lighting to give the impression someone’s at home, even when you’re away.

If you are travelling, avoid advertising your absence online, save the holiday photos until you are back, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect any post that might otherwise pile up and signal an empty house.

4. Secure Your Garden and Garage

A secure garden is another important part of home protection. Lock sheds and garages to keep tools and ladders which could be used for a break-in safely out of reach.

Tall fences, locked gates, and even thorny hedges create strong visual and physical deterrents, while gravel driveways and paths can alert you to movement near entry points by creating noise underfoot.

5. Add Smart Security and CCTV

Modern technology makes home security easier than ever. Visible CCTV systems and smart video doorbells act as powerful deterrents to burglars while giving you real-time alerts and peace of mind.

Today’s smart home systems can integrate lighting, alarms, and even door access control, allowing you to manage security straight from your smartphone. From letting in visitors remotely to scheduling lights or monitoring cameras, smart tech gives you more control and confidence wherever you are.

Our luxury aluminium entrance doors feature advanced biometric fingerprint locking, giving you effortless, key-free access and integrated smart features that allow you complete control over who enters your home wherever and whenever.

Ready to make your home more secure?

If you’re looking to make your Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, or South Yorkshire home more secure, Jackson Windows can help. We offer a complete range of secure home solutions to enhance safety, comfort, privacy and style.

With over 30 years’ experience and full FENSA registration, we’ve helped homeowners in towns such as Lincoln, Sleaford, Grantham, Newark, Market Rasen, Louth, Gainsborough, Retford, and other surrounding areas. 

Jackson Windows only work with trusted British suppliers. We are proud of our reputation, with more than 150 glowing 5* customer reviews. We offer a 10-year guarantee on our products and an in-house post-installation remedial service for peace of mind.

Ready to transform your home with the best windows in Lincoln? You can request a phone consultation with one of our experienced designers online, give us a call on 01522 541294, or visit our newly remodelled Lincoln showroom on Bishops Road where our friendly team will be happy to help.