It is common for one to picture a burglar as a mysterious guy wearing a mask, holding a bulging bag of loot while shrouded in darkness. But recent studies are starting to question this stereotypical image of thieves.

1. Home Security: Lighting
and Preventing Crime
Price’s Guaranteed Doors

2. It is common for one to picture a burglar as a mysterious guy wearing a mask, holding a bulging bag
of loot while shrouded in darkness. But recent studies are starting to question this stereotypical
image of thieves.
For one, statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation show that a majority of residential
burglaries occur during daytime. Interviews with convicted burglars also reveal that only a third of
criminals plan break-ins.
As such, recent studies are exploring the benefits of nighttime illumination, and how it correlates
with crime.

3. Outdoor Lighting Lowers the Risk of Index Crimes
Most households subscribe to the notion of “more lights, less crime,” or the idea that well-lit spaces
prevent criminal behavior from occurring.
A study from the New York City Police Department and Housing Authority reports that increased
levels of lighting led to a seven percent reduction in index crimes. These crimes include robbery,
burglary, and vehicle theft, among others.

4. Security Lights Only a Part of an Effective Home Security Strategy
Lights alone, however, are not enough to ensure home security. Even an adequately lit property is
unsafe if there is nobody around to witness and report a crime.
Marcus Felson, a professor from Texas State University, suggests that homeowners can secure their
households by getting to know their neighbors better. Since most burglaries occur between 10:00 AM
and 2:00 PM, establishing a neighborhood watch is a homeowner’s best defense against criminals.
Retired folks from neighboring homes, for instance, can help keep a watchful eye on empty homes.
For homes in rural or secluded areas, however, Felson suggests turning the lights off when nobody is
around since lighting could only to serve to enhance an intruder’s line of sight.
Lights work as part of an integrated home security strategy that goes hand-in-hand with locking doors
and windows, and keeping valuables hidden. With constant vigilance, homeowners can make their
property a less likely target from burglars.

5. Sources:
 https://www.npr.org/2016/02/23/466603833/should-you-leave-your-lights-on-at-night-it-
depends
 https://www.pricesdoors.com/
 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/11/02/what-actually-happens-to-
crime-when-the-lights-are-on-as-rick-perry-suggests/?utm_term=.00031d36299a
 https://www.ledsmagazine.com/articles/2018/03/major-study-finds-outdoor-lighting-cut-
crime-by-39.html