On Sunday 25 October 2026, the clocks will go back by one hour, meaning darker evenings will arrive much earlier than they already are. For many of us, the change simply means an extra hour in bed. But it’s also a good opportunity to think about your home security.
Longer hours of darkness can make it harder to see what’s happening around your property, particularly when you’re away from home. An empty house, an unlit driveway or a poorly protected side entrance all become more noticeable when the evenings draw in.
Winter Security Checklist for Homeowners
As you prepare for the clocks to change, why not take a few minutes to give your home security a seasonal check?
1. Check your outdoor lighting
Good lighting can make a real difference to the security of your home.
Take a walk around your property after dark and look at areas such as:
- Front and back entrances
- Driveways and garages
- Side gates and pathways
- Garden areas
- Sheds and outbuildings
- Other areas that are difficult to see from inside the house
Motion-activated lighting can be particularly useful, illuminating areas when movement is detected and helping you identify unexpected activity.
2. Check your CCTV cameras
Darker evenings are a good reminder to check that your CCTV system is working as it should.
Are your cameras providing a clear view after sunset? Are entrances, driveways and other vulnerable areas properly covered? Is anything such as overgrown plants, trees or outdoor furniture obstructing the view?
Modern CCTV systems provide much more than a recording. With the right system, you can access your cameras remotely through your smartphone or other device, helping you keep an eye on your property even when you’re away.
At Armour Security, we install professional CCTV systems designed to provide protection around your property, day and night.
3. Don’t forget your alarm system
The clocks changing are a useful prompt to check your intruder alarm.
Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use the system and that you’re comfortable setting it when you leave.
If your alarm hasn’t been serviced or checked recently, autumn is a good time to arrange a professional inspection.
For additional peace of mind, monitored alarm systems provide another layer of protection, with alarm activations monitored remotely.
4. Look at your property from a burglar’s point of view
One of the simplest security checks costs nothing.
Stand outside your property once it’s dark and ask yourself:
“If I wanted to get into this property, where would I look?”
Look for dark corners, hidden entrances, easily accessible windows, gates that are left unlocked and areas that can’t be seen from neighbouring properties.
You may spot something that you hadn’t noticed during the lighter summer evenings.
5. Make your home look occupied
As the evenings become darker earlier, your normal routine becomes more important.
If you’re regularly out of the house during the evening, consider using lights on timers or smart lighting to make the property appear occupied.
Avoid leaving obvious signs that the house is empty, such as valuables on display through windows or post building up at the front door.
Small changes can help create the impression that someone is home.
6. Think beyond the front door
Home security isn’t just about your main entrance.
Garages, sheds, side gates and rear gardens can sometimes be overlooked when security is installed.
CCTV and alarm systems can be designed to provide protection across the areas of your property that matter most, rather than simply focusing on the front door.
A darker evening doesn’t have to mean a less secure home
The clocks going back are a simple reminder that the seasons are changing. Your home’s security should work just as well in the dark as it does in daylight.
At Armour Security, we provide professional security solutions, including intruder alarms and CCTV, helping homeowners feel safer and more secure throughout the year.
If you’re unsure whether your current security system is ready for the darker months, our team can help. Arrange a free security survey to reveal potential weaknesses.
Protect your property with Armour Security
Book a free, no-obligation security survey with our NSI Gold accredited team, and we’ll show you where your home or business could be better protected.