Why Burglary Rates Rise in Winter — and What to Do About It

As the days grow shorter and the nights arrive earlier, many of us adjust our daily routines without much thought. We put the heating on, dig out coats and scarves, and look forward to cosy evenings indoors. But there’s another seasonal change that too few homeowners consider: burglary.

Every winter, across Leicester, Leicestershire, and the wider UK, burglary rates climb. Criminals don’t hibernate — they take advantage of the darker months. At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve seen this pattern year after year, and we know the challenges homeowners face when trying to stay one step ahead.

In this article, we’ll explore why burglaries spike in winter, what intruders look for, and the most effective steps you can take to protect your home.

Darkness: Cover for Crime

The most obvious reason burglary increases in winter is also the most powerful: darkness.

• In the summer, intruders are far more visible. A stranger loitering on a street or creeping around a garden at 9pm is instantly suspicious.

• In winter, the same behaviour can happen at 5pm under cover of darkness. Streets are quieter, neighbours are indoors, and there’s little natural deterrence.

Burglars use the darkness to approach properties unseen. They also exploit houses that remain unlit during the early evening hours — a tell-tale sign no one is home.

Rossells Advice:

• Install motion-activated lighting at entrances, driveways, and gardens.

• Use timer switches or smart lights indoors to create the illusion of occupancy.

• Combine lighting with visible CCTV cameras for maximum deterrence.

Seasonal Routines and Empty Homes

Winter often brings busier schedules. School runs, festive shopping, evening commutes in the dark, and trips away for Christmas or New Year all create more opportunities for burglars.

Add to that the fact that many homes are left empty during the holiday season — sometimes for several days at a time — and you can see why intruders take their chances.

Rossells Advice:

• Avoid predictable patterns with lighting. Randomised smart lighting is more convincing than simple timers.

• If you’re going away, ask a trusted neighbour to move post, put bins out, and keep an eye on things.

• Consider a monitored alarm system so you know any intrusion will trigger an immediate response, even if you’re not nearby.

Visible Signs of Festive Spending

Christmas is, unfortunately, one of the most attractive times of year for burglars. Parcels stacked by the door, gift boxes in bins, and toys or electronics visible through windows all signal easy pickings.

Rossells Advice:

• Never leave parcels in plain sight. If you can’t be home for deliveries, use a secure locker or trusted neighbour.

• Break down packaging discreetly — don’t advertise new TVs or laptops with large branded boxes left outside.

• Keep curtains or blinds closed in the evenings.

Opportunistic Intruders Thrive in the Cold

Burglars don’t just strike when you’re away. Winter habits often make their job easier.

• Garden tools left out after a day of clearing leaves.

• Side gates unlocked because the latch froze or was overlooked.

• Windows cracked open “just a little” for ventilation.

• Outbuildings unlocked because it’s cold and inconvenient to fetch a key.

These small lapses are gold dust to an opportunist intruder.

Rossells Advice:

• Always secure sheds, garages, and side gates with robust locks.

• Bring in ladders, tools, and bikes at night.

• Add shed or garage alarms for extra protection.

The Psychology of Winter Burglars

Through our work in security, we know burglars aren’t looking for the hardest challenge — they’re looking for the easiest win.

• A dark home with no alarm box on display is more attractive than a well-lit house with CCTV signage.

• A property with poor locks and clutter outside is easier to target than one with clean lines of sight and a monitored system.

Burglars avoid risk. Your job as a homeowner is to make your property look like too much effort compared to the next.

The Role of Technology

Modern security technology is particularly effective in winter because it removes uncertainty.

• Monitored Alarms: Unlike bells-only alarms, a monitored system means police or keyholders are contacted instantly. No waiting to see if neighbours will act.

• HD CCTV with Remote Access: See your home in real time via an app. Receive alerts when motion is detected, and check whether it’s a fox in the garden or something more serious.

• Smart Locks and Key Safes: Reduce reliance on spare keys hidden outdoors. Digital solutions mean you can grant or revoke access instantly.

At Rossells, we specialise in integrated systems — alarms, CCTV, lighting, and access control that work together seamlessly. This layered defence is far more effective than standalone measures.

Maintenance: Don’t Get Caught Out

Winter weather can be harsh on security systems. Rain, frost, and shorter days test equipment to its limits.

• Cameras can mist up or gather condensation.

• Sensors and batteries may fail in cold conditions.

• External alarm boxes and sirens are prone to weathering.

Rossells Advice:

• Arrange regular system maintenance to ensure everything functions correctly.

• Replace faulty bulbs in security lights quickly.

• Keep lenses, sensors, and alarm boxes free from dirt and debris.

Rossells offers maintenance contracts designed to keep systems running flawlessly, so you’re not left exposed during the season when you need them most.

Why Winter Is the Time to Act

Many homeowners wait until after an incident to think seriously about security. But by then, the damage — financial, emotional, and personal — is already done.

Winter isn’t just a higher-risk period; it’s also the perfect time to make improvements. A risk assessment, carried out by Rossells, identifies blind spots and vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.

Final Word

Burglary rates rise in winter for simple reasons: darkness, busy routines, festive spending, and overlooked details. But with the right measures, you can turn those vulnerabilities into strengths.

• Light up your property.

• Make your home look occupied.

• Protect sheds and outbuildings.

• Upgrade to monitored alarms and smart CCTV.

• Keep systems maintained and reliable.

At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve been helping Leicester homeowners protect what matters most for nearly a century. We know the patterns, we understand the risks, and we can help you stay safe through the darker months.

📞 Call our team on 0116 262 8899🌐 Visit rossells.co.uk📍 Book your free winter security consultation today