What's the point of security lighting?

Suzy_M

KateLiana27 wrote: »

Surely a burglar wouldn't be deterred by a light turning on when it's obvious it is automatic, and there is no one in the house? Or are they?

Yes they are! Neighbours light went off one night when they were away. I wasn't quick enough to catch sight of them but I did hear "Oh **** there's a light!" following by running foot steps - and a loud thud as one of them mis-judged the height of the garden wall!

We've also got a PIR light that covers the driveway. This activates whenever anyone 'strays' off the public path and they do go straight out again.

mrcow

Lighting certainly does deter opportunists.

If you're looking for ways to help secure your home, try here:
http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-prevent-crime/-and-property/home-security-tips

VfM4meplse

I bought a couple form Aldi in the summer and was reminded a few days ago of the need to install them. I want all intruders to know they come under a glare...

kizkiz

Most burglars, if not deterred, simply push it to face the wall,smash it or cut the wire. It only takes seconds.
If you do get one, make damn sure nobody can get to it

Itismehonest

daveyjp wrote: »

How do you throw an inside switch if you are outside? Very handy when arriving home at night.

Me?
If at home & I want to light outside up to see who or what is there I throw a switch.

Coming home in the dark is no problem. There are no streetlights for miles but car lights (or failing all else a torch) work just fine.
In fact, the neighbours take much more notice of a car arriving or someone pottering around with a torch than they do of security lights going on & off (which happens frequently because of the wildlife, wind etc) that they just ignore them.
A burglar could probably do his thing & disappear unnoticed with the security light still ablaze but let anyone try to use a car or lurk with a torch & they're deemed a suspect.

KateLiana27

Thanks everyone. Glad I wasn't missing some magical effect they had on burglars. My neighbour's is handy when I feel like doing a bit of night gardening (it happens) but it wouldn't really put me off if I was going to rob them, if I was so inclined.

Weird_Nev

kizkiz wrote: »

Most burglars, if not deterred, simply push it to face the wall,smash it or cut the wire. It only takes seconds.
If you do get one, make damn sure nobody can get to it

Funny, I've investigated burglaries for years and never once seen this done.

VfM4meplse

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Funny, I've investigated burglaries for years and never once seen this done.

That's reassuring! I will however make sure mine are out of reach when I eventually get them installed.

AlwaysSomething

My friend is a crime prevention officer, and has studied interviews with hundreds of burglars (admittedly all burglars who got caught...) The burglar will watch for a while to decide which house to attack, then go for it. They won't care if a light comes on - they will still attack the same house. If they've figured out the house is empty, they don't much care about the light. On the other hand, the presence of the light might deter them from choosing your house - they might select a dark one instead. For this reason, she recommends a night-light - one that is on all night - not a motion activated light.

kizkiz

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Funny, I've investigated burglaries for years and never once seen this done.

So have i, and i've seen plenty
Must be the poor standard of lights round my way that can be attacked so easily.