Don’t leave your home security out in the cold this winter

Shorter days, darker evenings and wet weather are all unfortunately part of winter, but they also create ideal conditions for opportunistic theft. Items such as bikes, tools and outdoor equipment are often used less frequently during the colder months and can end up left in sheds or garages for long periods without being checked.

In this blog, we’ll give you some tips and an easy checklist, so you can relax over the winter period.

Why winter changes security

According to ONS data, a burglary is expected every 172 seconds across the UK this winter. As days shorten, opportunities increase, so it’s important to stay on top of winter security.

Winter isn’t just hard on your gear, it’s also a time when security can be overlooked. Reduced visibility, fewer people around in the evenings and poor weather can all make it easier for theft to go unnoticed. Adapting your security set-up for winter conditions can help protect your valuables and give you peace of mind throughout the colder months.

Choosing the right padlock for winter conditions

Lower-quality locks may not be designed to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and low temperatures. Over time, this can cause internal corrosion, frozen mechanisms or weakened components, reducing their effectiveness when you need them most.

Choosing the right type of lock is an important first step in winter security. Come spring, when it’s time to dust off the bike or grab your gear, you’ll want a lock that opens smoothly, with no wrestling required.

Stainless steel padlocks are designed to resist corrosion, making them particularly suitable for outdoor use during winter. Rain, frost and road salt can degrade standard materials, whereas stainless steel offers greater durability and reliability over time. Any of the padlocks in our Stainless Steel range would be a great option for this – they’re salt spray tested for 480 hours and engineered to protect against corrosion.

Alternatively, our All-Terrain padlocks are built to cope with harsh conditions such as mud, water and freezing temperatures. These locks have protective covers to safeguard internal components, helping to prevent water ingress that can lead to stiffness or failure during cold weather. Our CP50ATLO is a perfect option, with its hardened steel shackle, anti-corrosion finish and protective body and wheels.

Ensure proper lock maintenance for the best performance

Even the best lock will benefit from regular maintenance, especially in winter.

• Lubricating locks helps keep internal mechanisms moving freely and reduces the risk of freezing.
• Preventing frozen mechanisms can be as simple as keeping locks covered where possible and ensuring they are dry after heavy rain or snow.
• Checking for corrosion allows you to spot early signs of wear before a lock becomes unreliable.
• Replacing worn locks before winter sets in can prevent failures during the coldest months when locks are under the most strain.

A few simple checks throughout the season can significantly extend the life and performance of your locks.

Layering your security - don’t just rely on one padlock

Effective winter security is rarely about a single solution. Layering different types of security creates multiple obstacles and increases the effort required to gain access.

Physical security such as strong padlocks, chains and anchor points play a crucial role in preventing theft by physically restricting the movement of valuable items. High quality locks and hardened chains make it far more difficult and time consuming for thieves to remove property, increasing the likelihood they will abandon the attempt. Installing fixed anchor points such as our Himalaya GA6 in solid structures such as garage floors or walls, allows items like bicycles or tools to be securely fastened in place.

Visual deterrents help discourage criminal activity by increasing visibility and the perceived risk of being seen. Security lighting is particularly effective in poorly lit areas where thieves may otherwise feel concealed, such as alleyways, driveways or gardens. Motion-activated lights can be especially useful, as they draw immediate attention to movement and signal that the property is protected. Well-lit spaces not only deter opportunistic thieves but also make it easier for neighbours or passers-by to notice suspicious behaviour.

Active deterrents such as alarms, add an extra layer of protection by creating noise and attracting attention during an attempted break-in. Audible alarms increase the pressure on intruders by alerting occupants and nearby residents making it harder for thieves to act unnoticed. A shed alarm that triggers when the door is forced open can quickly scare off intruders before any property is taken, reducing both theft and damage.

The goal is to slow thieves down and draw attention. A simple rule to remember is:
time + noise + visibility = deterrence.

Prepare now, not after a break-in

Taking time to review your security now can help prevent headaches later. Follow this quick checklist for the winter months:

• Check locks for wear or corrosion and replacing them if needed.
• Ensure suitable padlocks are used outdoors.
• Check for blind spots around the property and adding lighting or alarms where needed.
• Secure high-value items to anchor points inside garages or sheds.

These tips give a good security basis for any household. Visit our guides for more tips on how to secure your bike or e-bike during winter.

Check out our guide on winter motorcycle security here.

By preparing now, you can protect your valuables throughout the cold, wet and dark months ahead.

Find out more about our general security, motorcycle security and bike security ranges.