A burglary will happen every 172 seconds this winter in the UK – here are 5 essential ways we recommend protecting your home

As soon as the clocks go back and evenings start to draw in, we all feel that familiar shift into the cosier months of the year. But at The Residence Collection, we also know this is the time of year when home security becomes more important than ever.

The latest ONS data shows that a burglary will take place every 172 seconds in the UK this winter. And although burglary levels have dropped significantly in the last 20 years – from over 890,000 incidents in 2002 to around 245,000 last year – darker evenings provide ideal cover for opportunistic thieves looking for unoccupied homes.

What’s more, some areas experience more break-ins than others. London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire report the highest numbers, while areas like Cumbria, Wiltshire, Dyfed-Powys, Suffolk and North Wales report the lowest. But wherever you live, one message remains clear: most burglars gain access through a door or a window. In fact 70% enter through a door, and 30% enter through a window.

As designers and manufacturers of premium windows and doors, we take home security incredibly seriously. So this winter, we want to share some simple but essential advice to help you protect your property and feel safer as the nights get longer.

Why burglars strike – and what we’ve learned

Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Research shows that burglars look for signs of an empty home – packaging from new items outside, poor lighting, overgrown gardens they can hide in, or doors and windows that haven’t been properly secured.

Small habits, like always locking your doors and windows, keeping valuables out of sight, and not leaving keys near the letterbox, can make a big difference. But the security of the windows and doors themselves is one of the most important – and often overlooked – things homeowners can address.

With that in mind, here are the security measures we recommend most strongly at this time of year.

5 Essential Security Tips we Recommend for Winter

1. Choose windows with internal beading

One of the easiest ways burglars access a property is by removing externally beaded glass.
This is why all windows across The Residence Collection are designed with internal beading only.

This prevents removal from the outside and dramatically improves resistance to forced entry – something we consider non-negotiable for modern home security.

2. Look for PAS 24 certification

If you’re upgrading your windows or doors, we always advise homeowners to check for PAS 24 certification.

This certification tests how well a product withstands physical attack. All of our window systems are engineered to meet PAS 24 standards, giving you reassurance that they’re built to the latest security requirements.

3. Don’t forget secondary entry points

Front doors often get the most attention, but many break-ins happen through:

• Side doors
• Patio or bi-fold doors
• Garage access points
• Conservatory entrances

We always recommend ensuring every external door is fitted with a reliable multi-point locking system, reinforced hinges and secure glazing.

4. Make your home look occupied

Burglars avoid homes that look lived-in. Simple touches can be surprisingly effective:

• Use timer switches or smart plugs for lamps
• Leave a landing light on when you go out
• Let a radio play quietly
• Keep curtains closing in the early evening

Anything that signals activity from the outside makes a difference – especially when visible through glazed doors or windows.

5. Keep valuables out of sight

One of the things burglars often do is simply peer through windows to assess what’s inside. We always advise homeowners to avoid leaving keys, handbags, laptops or electronics where they can be seen from the outside. Keeping packaging from new purchases out of sight is also important – it can unintentionally advertise what’s inside your home.

Our final thoughts for a safer winter

We all love the warm, cosy feeling that comes with winter evenings – but this is also the time to be more mindful of home security. Simple steps like leaving a light on or updating older window systems can make a significant difference.

At The Residence Collection, we design our windows and doors to offer homeowners the perfect balance of beauty, performance and modern security – helping you feel safe and protected without compromising on style.

If you’d like more advice on keeping your home secure with high-performing windows and doors, you can explore our collections here.