Households urged to switch outdoor lights on from Saturday | UK | News

Households across the UK are being urged to switch on outdoor lights around their properties from this Saturday to protect their properties over Easter.

The Easter holidays are starting and many families will be heading off for a short holiday as schools are closed for two weeks. Easter may therefore present an ideal situation for opportunistic thieves to strike, as homes are left empty and there is generally reduced foot and vehicle traffic around estates as people make the most of both the long bank holiday weekend and school holidays with trips and family gatherings.

That’s why home security experts recommend taking extra precautions to protect your property at this time of year, and that only means turning on external lights around your property.

Motion-activated lighting in entryways, driveways and gardens can help deter burglars from your home; Timer switches and indoor smart lights can also create the illusion that someone is home.

Matthew Harwood, home insurance expert Confused.comHe said: “With many households planning a short break over the Easter holidays, it is important not to overlook home safety.

“Our research shows that almost 100,000 house burglaries, as well as 27,000 burglaries of sheds and garages, will be reported across the UK in 2024. But despite the scale of the problem, almost two-thirds of burglaries remain unsolved and only 5% are charged.

“Cash, jewelery and bicycles continue to be among the most frequently stolen items, making it even more important to secure both your home and outbuildings before you leave.

“Simple steps like double-checking that all doors and windows are locked, using timer switches for lights, turning on alarms, and asking your neighbor to collect the mail can help your home appear occupied. It’s also helpful to keep holiday plans off social media until you return.”

Security experts recommend setting timers for your lights to come on when you turn on outdoor lighting and ensuring that it is activated in the early evening, when it starts to get dark.

Homes are also advised to keep pathways and doors clear and visible to avoid any hiding spots and to consider using motion-activated security lights to deter potential intruders.

In its advice on protecting your home from burglary, West Yorkshire Police said: “Security lighting should either be on a timer switch or operate continuously from dusk until dawn. To ensure this is economical and does not disturb neighbours, low energy lighting will be needed.

“This will normally be a Compact Fluorescent lamp controlled by a photo-electric cell. (A photosensitive dusk to dawn switch.) A 13 or 16 Watt unit with an opal cover, placed in a location not easily accessible, will adequately illuminate the average back garden with soft, welcoming light – which has safety, security and social benefits. This form of lighting is highly energy efficient and costs around £6 per year.”

“A permanent night light like this plays a role in deterring a burglar from choosing the home in question, costs next to nothing to run and helps create a more reassuring environment.”