Leaving Your Exterior Lights On In Utah May Actually Be Attracting Criminals

Is it a good thing to leave your exterior lights on all night? It depends a lot on how you use them and the purpose you turned them on in the first place. Surprisingly, security experts say they can actually lessen your home security. 

Lighting Up Your Home Can Attract the Wrong Kind of Attention 

While lighting up the area around your home can deter thieves who don’t want to be exposed, if not well thought out, it can actually create cover for someone looking for a way in. This is especially true if the light leaves shadows in some areas. 

You might have the front of your house well lit, but that light leaves the sides even darker. Anyone who might notice something fishy going on will only see the bright light in front and miss the person quietly opening the side door to the garage. 

The other problem with the wrong lighting is it can show any weaknesses like a window that is not fully closed. These are factors to be aware of when choosing exterior lighting. 

Motion Sensors and Cameras Deter Break-Ins 

A better way to discourage home invasions is a combination of deterrents. A light on the side that turns on when it senses motion would keep anyone trying to get into the garage from staying around. 

Visible cameras will also let anyone snooping around that their face is getting recorded digitally. Even a sign warning that there are cameras can have that effect. 

Read More: Win $100 Cash Playing the Christmas Villain Game

It might be worth taking a minute to look at your home one of these nights and see if you are giving any opportunities for someone with bad ideas.