by Eleasha Hylton-Rowe | October 10, 2025
As the evenings draw in and the clocks prepare to go back, the darker months bring more than just cooler weather – they mark the start of a new season of risk for UK businesses. Reduced daylight hours, quieter streets, and longer nights all create the perfect environment for opportunistic crime to thrive.
For many businesses, this time of year is when weak spots are most exposed. At APS, we see it every autumn: as visibility drops, crime rises. But with the right awareness and preparation, your business can stay one step ahead.
The latest Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS), published by the Home Office in 2023, reveals a worrying trend. Around 26% of business premises in England and Wales experienced at least one crime in the past year. Theft remains the most common offence (14%), followed by burglary and vandalism (both at 8%).
Some sectors are hit harder than others. In wholesale and retail, 41% of businesses reported being affected by crime – often repeatedly. Customer theft alone accounted for roughly a quarter of all incidents, with some premises experiencing it on a daily basis.
The financial impact is substantial. Research carried out by Safe.co.uk found that UK businesses collectively lost over £12.9 billion to burglary and theft in just one year, more than three times the estimated cost of cybercrime. Yet despite these losses, only one in five businesses reported being fully insured against theft-related damage or disruption.
The message is clear: as the days get shorter, the risks get higher.
While crime happens year-round, the seasonal shift into autumn and winter amplifies existing weaknesses. Fewer daylight hours mean more time for offenders to operate under cover of darkness. Reduced footfall around retail parks, industrial estates, and construction sites creates quieter conditions that make suspicious activity less noticeable.
Many businesses also operate on shorter hours or skeleton staff in the evenings, which leaves properties unmonitored for longer periods. Combine this with poor lighting, outdated CCTV, or unmaintained alarm systems, and the risks multiply quickly.
Even seemingly minor incidents like vandalism or trespassing can escalate if security measures aren’t in place, and with longer nights stretching from October to March, prevention becomes far easier than cure.
The good news? Most seasonal security risks can be mitigated with proactive planning. Start with your site’s most visible deterrents. Well-lit premises are significantly less likely to be targeted, so ensure that entrances, pathways, and loading areas are illuminated with motion sensors or time-controlled lighting.
Next, assess your CCTV systems. Cameras with night vision or infrared capabilities are invaluable during low-light conditions. They not only act as a deterrent but also provide clear evidence if an incident occurs. If your cameras are older, a professional service can check performance, reposition lenses, or recommend upgrades to improve coverage.
Alarm systems and remote monitoring are another key layer of protection. A maintained, properly configured alarm linked to a monitoring centre ensures fast response times when every second counts. Similarly, reviewing your access control systems helps you manage who can enter your site after hours and track movements securely.
Finally, remember that maintenance is your best friend as many businesses often discover faults only after an incident occurs. Scheduling a professional system health check before winter sets in keeps everything running smoothly when it matters most.
For nearly three decades, APS Security has helped organisations across the UK fortify their premises against seasonal risks. We combine technical expertise with hands-on experience to deliver tailored protection that fits your site and your operations.
Our CCTV and surveillance systems provide crystal-clear visibility using the latest infrared and intelligent motion analytics. Our intruder alarms are integrated with 24/7 remote monitoring, ensuring real-time alerts and immediate escalation when needed.
We also design and install access control solutions that give you full command over entry points, staff permissions, and visitor management. And because prevention is only as good as upkeep, our maintenance and inspection services keep your security infrastructure performing reliably throughout the year.
If you’re unsure where to start, APS offers a free site assessment that identifies vulnerabilities across lighting, surveillance, alarms, and perimeter protection. You’ll receive a clear report and recommendations to strengthen your site before the clocks go back.
As daylight fades earlier each evening, it’s easy to overlook the growing risks around your premises. But by taking simple, informed steps now, you can avoid costly disruptions later.
With expert support from APS, your business doesn’t have to face the darker months unprepared. Whether it’s a system upgrade, a full site audit, or simply the reassurance that your existing security is performing as it should, our team is here to help you stay safe, visible, and confident all year round.
Contact APS Security today to ensure your business is protected as the nights draw in.
If you want to talk to us about an Access Control System for your building, contact us through our website, or give us a call. We can answer any questions you might have about Access Control Systems or any other aspects of security and fire safety products and procedures.
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