Clocks going back: 10 ways to keep your home secure during darker evenings

The clocks go back by one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October, marking the end of British Summer Time.

Although the extra hour in bed may be welcome, the change means it will begin getting dark earlier. Homes may appear unoccupied during the late afternoon and early evening, particularly while people are working, travelling or collecting children.

No security measure can remove every risk, but several sensible precautions can make a property less vulnerable. Here are ten checks worth making as the darker evenings arrive.

1. Check every external door and window

Start by walking around your property and checking the condition of its external doors, windows and locks.

Make sure doors close properly and that locks operate without sticking or feeling loose. Check accessible windows carefully, including those at the side or rear of the property and any windows above a flat roof, extension or outbuilding.

Remember that simply lifting the handle on some uPVC doors may not fully lock them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the key where required.

If you rent your home, report damaged locks, doors or windows to your landlord or letting agent promptly. Do not replace locks or make permanent alterations without obtaining the necessary permission.

2. Improve lighting around entrances

Good exterior lighting can make it easier to see visitors and safely enter or leave the property after dark. It can also reduce poorly lit areas around doors, gates and pathways.

Check that existing lights are working and replace failed bulbs where it is safe to do so. Pay particular attention to:

• The front entrance

• Side passages

• Rear doors

• Garages and outbuildings

• Paths and steps

• Shared entrances

Motion-activated or dusk-to-dawn lighting may be helpful, depending on the property. Lights should be positioned thoughtfully so they illuminate useful areas without shining unnecessarily into neighbouring homes or public spaces.

Tenants should contact their landlord or agent if fixed exterior lighting is faulty.

3. Use timers or smart lighting when you are out

A home that remains completely dark throughout the evening can appear unoccupied.

Timer switches or suitable smart lighting can turn selected lamps on and off while you are away. Varying the rooms and times may create a more natural impression than leaving one light on continuously.

Only use lighting products in accordance with their instructions. Avoid overloading sockets, and make sure lamps are positioned safely away from curtains, soft furnishings and other materials.

4. Keep entrances visible

Overgrown hedges, shrubs and trees can make it difficult for neighbours or passers-by to see what is happening around a property.

Review planting near windows, doors, gates and paths. Some careful pruning may improve visibility while retaining privacy and kerb appeal.

Clear fallen leaves from safe, accessible areas too. Wet leaves can make paths slippery and may cover steps, trip hazards or the edges of driveways.

Avoid undertaking work at height or using unfamiliar equipment. Arrange for an appropriately qualified professional where necessary.

5. Secure garages, sheds and side gates

Home security should extend beyond the main building.

Garages and sheds may contain bicycles, tools, gardening equipment and other valuable items. Tools stored outside the home could also potentially be used to interfere with doors or windows.

Check the condition of:

• Garage doors and locks

• Shed doors, hinges and padlocks

• Side gates

• Garden storage boxes

• Bicycle security

• Fencing around the property

Put tools and ladders away after use rather than leaving them accessible in the garden. Where possible, secure valuable items within an outbuilding rather than relying only on its external lock.

6. Keep keys and valuables away from view

Avoid leaving house keys, car keys, wallets, handbags or electronic devices where they can be seen through a door or window.

Keys should also be kept away from letterboxes and pet flaps. Choose a secure but memorable location rather than hiding spare keys outside under a mat, plant pot or garden ornament.

During the darker months, it is particularly easy to leave curtains or blinds open while interior lights make rooms clearly visible from outside. Take a moment to check what can be seen from the street or neighbouring areas.

7. Test alarms, cameras and video doorbells

If your property has an intruder alarm, security camera or video doorbell, check that it is working correctly.

This may include:

• Testing alarm sensors

• Replacing batteries

• Checking camera positions

• Confirming that notifications reach the correct device

• Installing manufacturer software updates

• Making sure the correct household members know how to use the system

Cameras should be positioned responsibly, and any recording should comply with applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.

Security technology can provide useful alerts, but it should support rather than replace reliable locks, sensible lighting and everyday security habits.

8. Avoid advertising an empty home

If you are going away, try not to make the property’s vacancy obvious.

Consider cancelling or redirecting regular deliveries and asking someone you trust to collect post or move bins where appropriate. Avoid publicly sharing detailed travel plans or posting that the house is empty.

Timers can be used for selected lights, while a trusted neighbour, friend or relative may be able to check the property.

Review your home-insurance terms before leaving the property empty. Policies can contain specific conditions relating to security, heating, maintenance and how frequently the home must be visited.

9. Get to know your neighbours

Neighbours can often notice unusual activity, an open gate, a failed exterior light or a parcel left outside before you do.

If you are comfortable doing so, exchange contact details with a trusted neighbour and let each other know about concerns. You could also find out whether there is an established Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area.

For flats and other shared buildings, residents should avoid allowing unknown visitors to follow them through a secure communal entrance. Report defective entry systems, doors or lighting to the landlord, managing agent or property factor.

10. Review security at empty properties

An empty property may require additional attention, whether it is awaiting sale, between tenancies or temporarily unoccupied.

Visit the property as often as required by its insurance policy and check for:

• Signs of attempted entry

• Damaged doors or windows

• Accumulating post

• Failed lighting

• Open gates

• Overgrown outdoor areas

• Unexpected vehicles or activity

• Maintenance problems that suggest the property is unattended

Avoid leaving tools, keys or valuable items inside unnecessarily. Landlords and sellers should make sure everyone who requires access understands how to secure the property when leaving.

If several people hold keys, keep an accurate record and recover keys when access is no longer required.

Make home security part of your autumn routine

The clocks changing is a useful annual reminder to review how secure your home is.

Begin with the basics: lock doors and windows properly, keep entrances visible, check exterior lighting and secure garages and sheds. Technology such as alarms and video doorbells may provide additional reassurance, but everyday habits remain important.

If you rent your home, report security-related repairs promptly and keep a record of your communication. If Your Move manages your tenancy, use the repair-reporting route provided by your local branch.

Further home security guidance is available from Police.uk and Secured by Design.

Popular questions

When do the clocks go back in 2026?

In the UK, the clocks go back by one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026. At 2am, the time returns to 1am, marking the end of British Summer Time.

Should I leave a light on when I go out?

Leaving some lighting on may help a home appear occupied. A timer or suitable smart-lighting system can switch selected lamps on and off at realistic times. Follow the product instructions and do not overload electrical sockets.

Do exterior security lights help protect a home?

Exterior lighting can improve visibility around entrances, paths and other vulnerable areas. However, lighting should form part of a wider approach that includes secure doors and windows, good locks and sensible daily routines.

Who is responsible for security in a rented property?

Landlords and tenants both have a part to play. Tenants should lock the property correctly and report faulty doors, windows, locks or fixed lighting promptly. Landlords or managing agents should investigate reported repair and security concerns in accordance with their responsibilities. Tenants should request permission before changing locks or installing permanent security equipment.

How can I protect a property that is temporarily empty?

Secure every access point, remove valuable items, manage post and deliveries, use appropriate lighting timers and arrange regular checks. You should also review the property’s insurance policy, as it may contain special requirements for periods when the home is unoccupied.

Should I post holiday photographs while I am away?

Public posts can reveal that nobody is at home. Consider reviewing your privacy settings and waiting until you return before sharing detailed travel updates or photographs publicly.

How can Your Move help?

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent, your local Your Move team is ready to help you take your next step.

Find your local branch

This article provides general home-security information. Follow current police guidance, product instructions, the terms of your insurance policy and any relevant tenancy or lease conditions.