Preparing Your Home for Dark Nights: Top Lock & Security Tips
As the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, it’s that time of year again when most of us are heading home from work in the dark. Unfortunately, the shorter days and longer nights can also bring an increase in opportunistic burglaries - especially around the festive season.
At PT Lock & Safe, we help homeowners across Norwich and Norfolk keep their properties secure all year round. So, if you’re wondering how to make your home a little safer this autumn and winter, here are our top lock and security tips to give you peace of mind when the nights get longer.
1. Check the condition of your locks
It might sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many locks show signs of wear and tear without people realising. Cold and damp weather can cause mechanisms to stiffen or corrode, making them easier to force open - or harder for you to unlock when you’re standing on the doorstep in the cold!
If your key feels loose, stiff, or doesn’t turn smoothly, it’s worth having it checked. We can service, repair, or upgrade your locks to modern, insurance-approved standards that offer better protection against snapping or picking.
2. Upgrade old locks for added security
If your locks haven’t been changed in years, now is a great time to upgrade. Newer high-security euro cylinders and multipoint locking systems can make a big difference in protecting your home.
But upgrading isn’t just about improving security. It can also make day-to-day use easier, especially during cold mornings when doors can swell slightly. With various options to choose from, we can recommend a solution that suits your doors and your budget.
3. Light up entrances and pathways
A well-lit home is a simple but effective deterrent. Motion-sensor lights around doorways, garages, and side paths make it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed. Smart timers for lamps can also help your home look occupied when you’re away.
You don’t need to go overboard - even a single light above your front or back door can make a huge difference.
4. Keep keys and valuable out of sight
It’s tempting to leave keys, wallets, or phones on the hallways table, but that’s the first place a thief will look through a letterbox or window. Keep keys out of sight and never hang them on hooks near the door.
If you use a key safe, make sure it’s fitted securely and kept out of plain sight. They’re handy, but only when installed properly - if you’re not sure where to put one, we’re happy to advise on the best types and safest places to fit them.
5. Consider extra security measures
A few small additions can make a real difference to your home’s security - especially if you’ve got an older property or uPVC doors. For an extra layer of protection and added peace of mind, consider simple changes like a door chain, spy hole, or sash jammer.
Of course, you can also go further and for some it may be worth thinking about a home safe. We fit a range of safes for different needs - from compact options to larger, fire-rated models. They are ideal for keeping passports, jewellery and important documents safe and out of sight.
6. Don’t forget your sheds and garages
It’s easy to overlook then, but sheds and garages are often the first place opportunistic thieves will try. Tools, bikes, and garden equipment can be tempting targets, especially during the darker months.
Check that your padlocks are sturdy, weatherproof, and still doing their job - and that hinges or bolts aren’t starting to rust or loosen. If you’re unsure, we can recommend or fit upgraded locks for outbuildings too, so every corner of your property stays properly secure.
7. Know who to call in an emergency.
If you’ve ever been locked out of the house on a cold, wet evening, you’ll know what a huge inconvenience it can be. There is no need to panic though - we’re always available to help. Our emergency locksmith service covers Norwich and the wider Norfolk area, and we’re only ever a call away.
Save our number in your phone so you’re not left searching online when it’s dark and freezing outside.
Stay safe this season
A few simple checks now can save you a lot of stress later. When it’s a lock you need replacing, a safe to be installed, or just some professional advice, our experienced locksmiths are always happy to help.
Get in touch with PT Lock & Safe today for friendly, local locksmith services you can trust.