By Michael Turner
Winter brings longer dark evenings, holiday periods that leave homes empty, and weather conditions that can affect camera performance. Home break-ins peak in autumn and winter in the USA — here is how to make your home harder to target in the dark months.
Lighting: The Single Most Effective Winter Upgrade
It gets dark by 4pm in December. Any unlit area of your property becomes a potential cover for approach. Add motion-sensor lights to front, rear, and side passages before the clocks change in October. Battery-powered LED floodlights cost $20–$50 and install in minutes. Camera-integrated floodlights like the Ring Floodlight Cam add deterrence and recorded footage simultaneously. See our Ring Floodlight Cam review.
Camera Night Vision Check
Test your cameras’ night vision performance before winter. In summer, ambient light keeps color night vision active. In winter, your cameras may switch to infrared black-and-white mode more frequently. If the footage quality is inadequate at night, consider upgrading to cameras with dedicated color night vision or spotlights. See our night vision comparison guide.
Holiday Period Security
Christmas and New Year are peak periods for opportunistic burglars as properties are left empty during family visits. Before leaving: cancel post and deliveries, use smart lighting timers, arm your alarm, and brief a neighbour. See our full holiday security checklist.
Pipe Freeze and Flood Sensors
Winter adds environmental risks beyond burglary. Temperature drops below 0°C can freeze and burst pipes. A temperature sensor in loft spaces, outbuildings, and utility rooms alerts you before pipes fail. Combined with a flood sensor under the boiler, this provides comprehensive environmental protection. See our flood sensor guide.
More: alarm systems for winter, home security blind spots, security cameras hub.
