How effective are outdoor security lights at deterring burglars?
Having someone snoop around your house is never a nice thing to think about. But luckily, there are lots of things you can do to make yourself less likely to fall victim to a break-in.
In this article we’re going to take a look at one of the simplest burglar deterrents out there: outdoor security lights. We’ll explore how effective they are and also discuss the new kid on the block, smart outdoor lighting, and how they work with other smart products to offer an extra ring of defence.
Do outside security lights deter burglars?
Yes, they do – burglars tend to look for houses with no obvious security. And most break-ins happen at night when intruders can spend time getting into your house under the cloak of darkness. For both these reasons, outdoor light fixtures are a really effective deterrent.
It means anyone trying to get into your house is more likely to be spotted by a passer-by. So they’ll hopefully think twice and move on to find an easier target.
What are the best outdoor lights?
If you’re thinking of installing security lights, there’s three main options to consider.
Firstly, outdoor sensor lights which only turn on when they detect motion. Alternatively, you can use outdoor light bulbs which stay on all the time. These are often cheaper to buy but you’ll end up paying more for your electricity. And you need to remember to turn them on each evening and off again in the morning.
One way round this is to set up outdoor solar security lights. These charge up during the day getting power from the sun and then get brighter once it’s dark. They won’t affect your energy bills but are a lot less reliable (unless you happen to be lucky enough to live somewhere with 365 days of sunshine!)
The extra benefits of smart outdoor lighting
Smart lights look very similar to their more traditional cousins, coming in all shapes and sizes from outside lights with sensors to outdoor LED flood lights. But they’ve got a few major differences that can make them an even better option if you’re looking to up your security.
Control your smart lights remotely
Smart lights can be controlled straight from the app on your smartphone, so you can turn them on and off wherever you are. Some will even let you set schedules. This means you can get them to turn on at slightly different times each day – great for outsmarting anyone who’s been checking out your property over a period of time.
Link your smart lights up with other smart devices
But what we really love about smart lighting is that you can link smart devices to add an extra layer of protection.
For example, you could link your smart outdoor PIR lights to a few lights indoors. So, as soon as someone triggers a light to turn on outside, they’ll turn on inside too. If anyone’s thinking of breaking in, they are likely to stop in their tracks as they will think the house is occupied. And, if you are at home but are asleep upstairs, you are more likely to wake up and be able to take action.
From lights that look after your home to sensors that tell you the moment there’s motion, check out Hive’s range of smart home devices today.
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