How to Prevent Burglary: 8 Ways to Protect Your Home

Theft is one of the most common crimes in the UK, with over 200,000 burglary cases reported every year. If you’re wondering how to prevent burglary in your home, you’re not alone. Whether you're worried about break-ins at night or just want to feel safer, taking action can make all the difference.

At Tapo, we specialise in smart home security products that help people across the UK protect what matters most. In this guide, we’ll walk you through eight practical ways to protect your home and highlight the security devices that can help you stay one step ahead of burglars.

What is burglary?

Burglary is when someone unlawfully enters a building, usually a home or business, intending to steal. It’s often opportunistic, targeting properties that appear empty, unsecured, or poorly lit. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, the risk of burglary may continue to rise — making home protection more important than ever.

How to prevent break-ins

Burglars typically choose homes that look like easy targets. While no system is perfect, taking the right steps can help deter break-ins and reduce your risk significantly.

Lock all doors and windows

It sounds simple, but unlocked doors and windows are a common entry point for burglars. Make it a habit to double-check locks before leaving the house or going to bed. For added security, consider using smart sensors or alarms on key access points.

Don’t display expensive items in windows

Leaving valuables like laptops, handbags or jewellery on display can tempt burglars. Keep them out of sight and use blinds or curtains to reduce visibility from the street.

Keep outbuildings secure

Sheds, garages and garden offices often hold expensive tools or bikes. Secure these spaces with padlocks and consider installing an outdoor security camera to monitor any activity around them.

Set external lights on a timer or sensor

Motion-activated or dusk-to-dawn lighting helps deter burglars by increasing visibility around entry points. Position lights near doors, pathways, and blind spots around your property.

Keep hedges and entryways tidy

Overgrown hedges or dark corners provide hiding places for intruders. Keep your front garden neat and maintain clear sightlines from the street to your doors and windows.

Don’t post travel plans online

Announcing holidays or weekends away on social media can unintentionally advertise that your home is empty. Instead, wait until you’re back before sharing photos or stories online.

Fit burglar alarms with audible alarm boxes

A visible alarm system is a major deterrent. Make sure it includes a loud, external siren to alert neighbours and scare off intruders quickly. Even basic alarm systems can be highly effective.

Invest in home security cameras

CCTV cameras don’t just record — they prevent. Visible home security cameras are often enough to deter a burglar before they attempt a break-in. With smart features like motion detection, two-way audio, and remote monitoring, they’re more accessible and powerful than ever.

Explore the full range of Tapo smart security cameras:

• Outdoor Security Cameras – ideal for driveways, back gardens, and outbuildings.
  
  
• Indoor Security Cameras – great for watching over pets, family or valuables inside your home.
  
  
• Smart Video Doorbells – see and talk to visitors from your phone and keep an eye on deliveries.
  
  

How to prevent break-ins at night

Most burglaries take place under cover of darkness — particularly during the longer nights of winter. Improving visibility and making your home look occupied can go a long way in deterring intruders. Here are some simple but effective ways to protect your home at night:

• Install motion-activated floodlights to illuminate dark corners and draw instant attention. For a smart option, try the Tapo C720 Floodlight Camera, which combines ultra-bright floodlights with HD video monitoring.

• Choose cameras with infrared or colour night vision. Tapo C460 4K camera features a starlight sensor, F1.6 aperture lens, and built-in spotlights to capture bright, detailed footage even in low light — perfect for identifying people, vehicles or activity after dark.

• Use smart plugs to automate indoor lighting, which let you set schedules or remotely control lamps from your phone, creating the illusion that someone’s home — a proven way to discourage break-ins.

Final thoughts

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right habits and a few smart devices, you can make your property a far less attractive target for burglars.

If you're ready to take the next step, browse Tapo's full collection of home security cameras and enjoy free UK shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and UK-based customer support.

Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay in control — with Tapo.