Winter, with its early darkness and often stormy weather, creates an ideal working environment for opportunistic criminals. When the clocks go back, the risks to commercial properties and homes actually increase. Site security is crucial during this period.

But where do the greatest dangers lie? Criminals are not unpredictable figures; they follow patterns. In the coldest, darkest months, we see five specific behaviours and risks that occur significantly more often.

By knowing these risks, you can get the security of your property ‘winter-ready’ in time.

1. The three-hour rule: peak time for residential and commercial burglaries

Did you know that most burglaries take place between 16:00 and 21:00? This is the time when it is dark, but people are still on their way home from work (the “dark hours”). In winter, twilight sets in much earlier, which makes this ‘window’ for burglars longer.

What criminals try: Striking quickly and with minimal forced-entry damage, often by forcing doors or windows at the rear of a property, in the belief that the property is empty.

Preventative Tip: Use timer switches for indoor and outdoor lighting. Make sure your premises look occupied of in use looks after, even when you are not there.

2. The use of ‘natural cover’

Bad weather and low light are a criminal's best allies. Dense fog, heavy rainfall or even snow can limit the visibility of security cameras and monitors.

What criminals try: They are venturing into riskier locations that are normally too visible, because the chance of detection is decreasing. Vandalism on abandoned business premises is also increasing, because they are counting on a slow response time.

Preventative Tip: Check the operation of your outdoor lighting and ensure your cameras are equipped with high-quality night vision. Make use of video analytics to intercept suspicious movements, even in bad weather.

3. The ‘holiday’ and the absence trick

With the Christmas holidays, winter sports and the festive season around Christmas and New Year, many business premises, warehouses and homes are left unattended for long periods. This is gold dust for organised gangs.

What criminals try: They check whether a property is genuinely empty. They do this by observing activity for days (no open curtains, overflowing letterboxes, cars that are not moved). Sometimes they even place inconspicuous markers to see if these are removed.

Preventative Tip: Ask neighbours or security staff to empty the letterbox regularly. Leave a key with a trusted person who is physically present every now and then. This disrupts the burglar's observation cycle.

4. The vulnerability of outdated ironmongery

Many older properties are still fitted with outdated door and window hardware that can be forced within seconds using a simple screwdriver or crowbar. In winter, when people are in a hurry because of the cold, this security check is sometimes skipped.

What criminals try: They focus on weak points, such as core pulling (pulling the cylinder out of the lock) or forcing unsecured hinges.

Preventative Tip: Invest in certified window and door hardware (SKG quality mark) that is resistant to cylinder pulling and drilling. A professional security check can quickly map out the vulnerabilities in your building.

5. The backdoor method via forgotten access points

Burglary is not always a matter of violence; sneak theft is a common tactic. This happens when a window is left ajar (for ventilation) or an overhead door is just not fully closed.

What criminals try: They look for ‘open doors’. Especially at offices and commercial premises where people walk in and out during the day, it is often not checked in the evening whether all emergency exits or overhead doors are actually closed.

Preventative Tip: Ensure clear closing procedures. Consider alarm systems that send an alert if certain doors or windows (such as tilt-and-turn windows or skylights) are still open after closing time.

Conclusion: winterise your property

Winter is synonymous with increased risks. Waiting until it is too late is not an option. By proactively optimising lighting, checking fixtures and fittings, and using clear procedures, you reduce the chance of your property becoming a target.

Object security goes beyond just an alarm system. It is an integral strategy that deserves extra attention during these dark months.

Would you like a bespoke risk assessment for your business premises? Contact our security experts for a no-obligation consultation.