As the nights draw in and the temperatures begin to drop, autumn is the perfect time to think about your home security.
As the nights draw in and the temperatures begin to drop, autumn is the perfect time to think about your home security. Whether you're heading off on holiday, visiting family or simply going out for the day, there are several simple steps you can take to help protect your home and belongings.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 245,284 burglaries were recorded by the police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025. With the darker evenings approaching, taking precautions to secure your property is particularly important.
While no security measures can guarantee that your home will never be targeted, making your property less attractive to opportunistic burglars can help reduce the risk. From making use of smart technology to checking your home insurance documents, here are five things to consider this autumn.
Make Use of Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology has become increasingly popular, offering convenient ways to monitor your property when you're away.
Smart video doorbells and security cameras allow you to see activity around your home through your smartphone. Many models include motion detection alerts, live video and two-way audio, meaning you can see who's at your door even when you're not there.
Smart lighting can also be useful, particularly if you're planning to go away. Some smart bulbs and plugs allow you to schedule lights to switch on and off at different times, helping to create the impression that someone is home.
However, technology should complement traditional security measures rather than replace them. If you have a burglar alarm, check that it's working correctly and get into the habit of setting it whenever you leave the house.
Combining smart technology with everyday security habits can help you keep a closer eye on your property.
Make Your Home Look Occupied While You're Away
If you're going on holiday or planning to be away from home for several days, it's worth thinking about how your property might appear to someone passing by. An overflowing letterbox, bins left out for several days or a completely dark house can sometimes indicate that nobody is home.
Before you leave, consider asking a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They could collect your post, move your bins on collection days or occasionally park on your driveway, where appropriate.
You could also use timers or smart lighting to switch lights on and off at different times, helping your home maintain a more lived-in appearance.
It's worth being mindful of what you share on social media, too. Publicly announcing that you're away from home can reveal information about when your property may be empty.
A few simple preparations before you leave can help give you greater peace of mind while you're away.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Take a look at your property from the outside. Can passers-by easily see expensive items through your windows?
Laptops, televisions, games consoles, jewellery and other valuable possessions may attract unwanted attention if they're clearly visible. Where possible, keep them out of sight, particularly when you're leaving the house for an extended period.
It's also important to secure garden tools, ladders and other equipment that could potentially be used to gain access to your property. Remember to lock sheds and garages, too.
Before leaving home, make a habit of checking that:
- All accessible windows and doors are securely locked.
- Your burglar alarm is switched on, if you have one.
- Spare keys aren't hidden in obvious places, such as under doormats or plant pots.
- Garden gates, sheds and garages are properly secured.
- Valuable items are kept out of view wherever possible.
These straightforward checks can help improve your home's security without requiring expensive equipment or major changes.
Don't Overlook the Basics of Home Security
It's easy to focus on the latest security gadgets, but traditional precautions remain important.
Check that your external doors, window locks and other entry points are in good working order. If you notice damaged locks or faulty windows, arrange for them to be repaired where necessary.
Keep side gates closed and locked and avoid leaving tools or other equipment outside where they could be easily accessed.
If you're moving into a new property, it's also worth considering whether the previous occupants could still have copies of the keys. Depending on the circumstances, changing the locks may be a sensible precaution.
Remember that good home security is about combining different measures rather than relying on one solution. Taking a few minutes to check your property regularly can help you identify potential issues before they become a problem.
Understand Your Home Insurance
Although taking precautions can help improve your home security, it's also useful to understand the different types of home insurance available and what they generally cover.
What is buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance generally relates to the structure of your property, including features such as walls, roofs, floors, windows and permanent fixtures.
Depending on the policy and circumstances, cover may include certain types of damage resulting from a burglary, such as damage to a door or window during a break-in.
What is contents insurance?
Contents insurance generally relates to personal belongings kept inside your home. Depending on the policy, this may include furniture, electrical equipment, clothing and other possessions.
Some policies also provide cover for theft following a burglary, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
It's important to be aware that policies differ. Individual items may be subject to specific limits, and certain valuable possessions, such as jewellery or bicycles, may require additional cover.
Policy conditions may also include requirements relating to home security or periods when a property is left unoccupied.
If you have home insurance, familiarising yourself with your policy documents can help you understand the cover provided, including any applicable exclusions, limits and conditions.
If you're renting your home, it's worth remembering that a landlord's buildings insurance generally won't cover your personal belongings.
Take a Few Minutes to Check Your Home This Autumn
Protecting your home doesn't necessarily require expensive technology or significant changes. Often, it's a combination of sensible everyday habits, effective security measures and an understanding of your existing insurance arrangements.
Before the colder months set in, take a few minutes to check your locks, test your alarm, secure your valuables and familiarise yourself with your home insurance documents.
Whether you're staying at home or planning a trip away, a little preparation can help you feel more confident about your home's security.
Want to Find Out More About Home Insurance?
At Crystal Clear, we understand the importance of protecting the things that matter most.
If you'd like to find out more about the insurance services we offer, please get in touch with our team or explore the relevant information on our website.
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As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Sources:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2025?
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/10-tips-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-you-are-away-aF8t63i4fRA9
