Does Leaving Outside Lights on Deter Burglars

Last Updated on December 2, 2024

Imagine this: You leave your home or business ready to enjoy a well-deserved trip away from responsibilities. You use the well-known tip of leaving the lights on to deter burglars, only to return to find out your belongings or precious business equipment are gone.

Burglars also know this tip, so it doesn’t prevent them from stealing your home or business. Many property crimes happen because burglars have been studying and learning your routine for a while. Leaving a light on at night to deter burglars is an open invitation for thieves to enter your space.

Does Leaving a Light on at Night Deter Burglars?

Leaving lights on at night generally does not deter burglars. To increase security at your home or business, you can combine outdoor lights with other devices or systems.

How to Use Lighting Effectively

The best way to use lights to deter burglars is by using them as if you were home, even when you’re away. Here are a few options you can choose from:

• Motion-activated lights: Setting up motion-activated lights can help keep potential burglars away and alert your neighbors if something odd is happening.
• Timers: Set timers so lights turn on and off in different spaces at different times. This will make it look like someone is in the building.
• Remote control system: A remote control system allows you to control your lights from afar. You can still turn the lights on and off at your convenience when you are out.

These solutions can also deter burglaries at businesses by making it more difficult for thieves to hide.

Sometimes, you may want to leave the lights on all night or until you arrive. For example, if a person is arriving late or early, leaving the lights on for them will help them access the property safely. When people are alone, leaving lights on might give them a sense of security and help them distinguish movement at night.

The key is to avoid leaving the lights on all the time or for several days in a row, especially if you regularly turn them off. Doing so lets burglars know you aren’t home.

What to Use Instead of Lights

Here are some more reliable security measures you can take at your home or business:

• Close and lock your doors and windows: Before calling it a night or going to bed, make sure that all doors and windows are closed and locked. You can use a standard lock or an electronic lock.
• Add extra security to sliding doors: A broomstick or piece of wood cut to length adds additional security.
• Use a fence or electric gate: An electric gate makes it harder for burglars to access your residence or business, so they will think twice before taking the risk.
• Install a wooden exterior door: A thick wooden door will make it hard for burglars to break in.
• Get to know your neighbors: If you’re leaving town or closing your business for a holiday, ask your neighbors to check on your property once in a while and alert authorities if something happens.
• Set an alarm system: Even if you are away, an alarm system will alert your neighbors and the police, preventing you from losing more than a broken window.
• Get a security system solution: A security system solution allows you to personalize different options and devices according to your space and budget needs.

According to the Ashland Police, between 30% and 50% of home and apartment robberies happen because someone left a window or door unlocked or open, making it easier for burglars to get in. Leaving a door or window open can also happen at your business, and it might be more likely to happen if you have a large number of staff members.

Having an efficient security system will minimize the risk of human error while keeping you, your family and your business safe.

How to Choose the Right Security System to Deter Burglars

The best way to ensure the safety of your family, staff and visitors is with presence. Cars parked outside, lights turning on and off, or people coming in and out can make your property a less attractive target.

Motion-activated, programmable or remote-controlled lights can help. However, if you want to protect your home or business, you need a more robust security system to deter burglars.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right security system for your home or business:

• Efficiency: An efficient security system should send a report at the exact moment of a break-in.
• Easy to use: Your security system should be intuitive so you don’t need to read a manual every time you need to use it.
• Scalable: It should allow you to integrate it with other systems or devices.
• Expertise: Highly trained and proven experienced technicians should be available to help you fix anything you need on time or get to you when you need it the most. Expertise is one of the most important things to consider when deciding which security system to purchase.

While an out-of-the-box solution might be inexpensive, is an inexpensive solution the best solution for your home or business?

Combine Lights With Other Home Security Systems

Now that you understand how lights deter burglars, what a great home security system is and how to choose one, let’s discuss the different options you can combine to create the security system that best suits your needs.

Prestige Security Solutions offers different integration options for a security system. From traditional locks to an experienced and professional team, we are ready to respond to any emergency to keep your home and business completely safe. We can create personalized solutions to enhance your security and safeguard your business or loved ones.

We’ve researched the market and found high-quality, efficient and top-of-the-line innovative solutions that work together to create a security system tailored to your needs.

Some of our most innovative services include :

• Alarm monitoring systems: Your alarm is connected to our central system 24/7. If it goes off, we’ll contact you to determine whether you’re safe and, if necessary, contact the authorities.
• Surveillance systems: You can monitor your inventory or valuable possessions from afar and at any time.
• Access control systems: Digital locks are an extra step in protecting your space. We’ll assess and maintain your electrical locks to ensure security is on point.
• Video security monitoring systems: Receive real-time notifications from your video feeds on any mobile device so you always know what is happening.
• Data security solutions: We provide the tools and technology to keep sensitive information safe.

Contact Prestige Security Solutions

Since 2015, we have been serving communities in Massachusetts. We’ve gotten to know the local families and business owners, understanding that each individual needs a personalized approach to their unique needs.

As part of the community and as business owners, we know how important it is to keep your family safe while you’re working and your business secure when you are at home. We can create a security solution tailored just for you.

We will conduct an on-site assessment and provide you with the best options to create a security system that allows you to monitor what matters most when you’re away. As we walk you through every step of the process, you’ll get to know us, and we’ll keep an eye out for you through our services. Get the peace of mind you deserve — contact us.