Security in the dark: home, light and a watchful neighbourhood

Opportunity and darkness favour burglary and accidents. An open cellar window, an unlocked garage door or visible valuables are opportunities. Dark paths and stairs are sources of accidents. Security therefore comes from three building blocks: reducing opportunities, increasing attention and passing observations on to the responsible authorities.

Much security technology needs power. Alarm systems, video doorbells and electric locks often have a battery, but not always, and it lasts for different lengths of time. Some electric locks stay locked without power, others open. The manual or the installer will tell you how yours behaves – and you should know that before it gets dark.

Find out beforehand whether the alarm system, video doorbell and electric locks have a battery and how long it lasts, and keep a mechanical key ready. Do not assume the alarm will simply keep running.

During the outage, reduce opportunities: close doors and windows, do not leave cellar windows or garages open, keep valuables out of sight and close shutters as needed. Solar or battery lights at the entrance and along the path help orientation and make the house look lived-in. Use a headlamp for trips outside.

The neighbourhood is your best protection. Exchange phone numbers, let each other know when someone is away and look out for one another. If you notice something, note factually what you saw – time, place, people, vehicles – and report it. Spreading rumours, on the other hand, helps nobody.

Never confront or follow suspicious people yourself. Keep your distance, observe, remember what you see and inform the police via the local police number or, in danger, the emergency number (112 in the EU). Vigilantism, confrontational patrols or carrying weapons are dangerous and often unlawful. In large incidents the police may respond with a delay – even then, intervening remains their job.

Lock doors, yes, but keep escape routes open: the key is at hand inside, and no furniture stands in front of the doors. In a fire you must be able to get out quickly.

No open flames as outdoor lighting or as a deterrent – candles, torches or fire bowls in front of the house are a fire hazard.

When the power fails, traffic lights and streetlights go out too. Drivers see pedestrians less well, and junctions become confusing. So cross roads with extra care, wear light-coloured clothing or something reflective, and always take a light.

Where possible, do not go out alone. Prefer to run errands in daylight, and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Ready.gov and the BBK recommend torches instead of candles and stress how important neighbourly help is in emergencies. An attentive neighbourhood where people know each other is often more effective than any technology.

This advice does not replace advice from the police. Many police forces offer free burglary prevention advice – a good opportunity to also ask how your own security technology behaves in a power outage.