Lock Up, Light Up

Dear Resident,

A well-lit home is one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. However, simply leaving a light on 24/7 can be predictable. 

Modern home security relies on smart, strategic, and energy-efficient lighting to make your home look occupied and unattractive to opportunistic thieves.

Here is essential advice on how to use light and other low-cost measures to keep your property safe.

🏡 Outdoors: Focus on Surprise and Visibility

The goal of outdoor lighting is to eliminate dark spots and startle potential intruders, making them feel exposed.

Install Motion-Sensor Lights: This is the single most effective lighting deterrent. Install bright LED floodlights above your main entry points (front door, back door, garage) and in dark side alleys.

Energy Efficiency: They only switch on when movement is detected, saving energy and money compared to lights that run all night.

Illuminate Key Areas: Ensure your lighting covers the most vulnerable spots:

Place Lights High: Position exterior lights out of easy reach to prevent them from being tampered with or disabled.

🛋️ Indoors: Mimic Real Life, Not a Pattern

When you are away—whether for the evening or on holiday—the key is to make your house appear lived-in, not simply static.

Use Timer Switches (or Smart Plugs/Bulbs): Forget the simple "on at 6 PM, off at 11 PM" timers. Experienced burglars look for predictable patterns.

Randomisation is Key: Use timers that can turn lights on and off at random or varied times in different rooms (e.g., kitchen light on for an hour, then the living room light on for 90 minutes). This mimics a person moving through the house.

Combine Light with Sound: Plug a radio into a timer switch and set it to play a talk show or music during the evening. This adds an extra layer of "activity" and realism.

Draw Curtains and Blinds: In the evening, close all curtains and blinds to prevent outsiders from seeing what valuables are inside and to conceal the fact that the rooms may be empty.

✅ Quick-Check Home Security List

Lighting is just one part of a comprehensive security plan. Remember these core safety steps:

Always Lock Up: Lock all doors and windows, even when you're just stepping out to the garden or running a quick errand. Double-lock UPVC doors.

Secure Valuables: Keep high-value items, cash, and especially car keys out of sight and away from letterboxes or cat flaps where they could be "fished" out.

Secure the Garden: Lock sheds and garages. Don't leave ladders, tools, or wheelie bins near the house, as these can be used to gain entry.

Mind Your Social Media: Avoid posting details about your holiday plans or an empty house on social media until you have returned home.

By combining smart, motion-activated outdoor lighting with randomised indoor routines, you can dramatically increase the perceived risk to a burglar and keep your home safe

#LockUpLightUp💡

You can keep up to date with what your local beat team gets up to by following us on social media: Oadby and Wigston Police | Facebook

Many thanks

Your South Wigston Beat Team

PC 168 Catherine, PC 4810 Reece, and PCSO 6391 Dom

Please do not report crime or incidents via 'Neighbourhood Link' as the messages are not always monitored.