As the nights draw in and the calendar fills with autumn and winter celebrations, a more unwelcome trend also returns: a sharp rise in burglaries. More than half (52%) of all break-ins occur between October and March. While Halloween, Bonfire Night, and New Year’s Eve bring excitement and social activity, they also create ideal conditions for opportunistic thieves. New data from Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium aluminium doors and windows, reveals that homes are most at risk on Monday, 28th October - the day after the clocks go back - when darkness falls earlier and before household routines adapt to earlier nights.
According to a new analysis of data from 41 police forces in England and Wales, burglaries peak on this date, with 864 incidents recorded in 2023 alone. The pattern is clear: as evenings get darker and homes stay lit but unguarded, burglars take advantage.
In this guide:
Home burglaries peak during the darker winter months, especially after early sunsets in late October.
As winter approaches, one in three homeowners are at risk, as burglars look for opportunity to gain unlawful entry.
Standard uPVC windows often lack multipoint locks, increasing risks during shorter days and the holiday season.
Urban areas face the highest burglary risks, with valuable items anonymity giving burglars an advantage.
Origin Aluminium Windows feature advanced locks and designs, offering advanced security upgrades that make a big difference
Use smart lighting, CCTV, and timer switches to deter potential burglars and protect your home as the darker months and winter weather set in.
When do the most burglaries happen in the UK?
While many might assume Christmas or New Year’s Eve are the peak times for theft, Origin’s analysis shows otherwise. Using data from a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request, researchers found that the 28th of October - immediately after the clocks go back - was the single worst night for burglaries.
We put this to the public, and only 15% of the survey respondents correctly guessed this, with most assuming the danger lies later in the festive calendar. When daylight hours shorten abruptly, burglars exploit the longer nights and the confusion of shifting schedules. Homes may be unoccupied for longer during the darkness.
Other dates also show a spike in activity. Bonfire Night (5th November) sees burglary rates rise by around 25%, as fireworks, loud noises and public gatherings distract residents and mask the sounds of forced entry. Similarly, New Year’s Eve also ranks highly for thefts - not only because many people are out celebrating, but also because homeowners hosting parties often leave doors unlocked to welcome their guests.
Meanwhile, Halloween may not lead to burglaries, but it does see the highest rate of criminal damage, as vandalism and pranks become part of the night’s mischief. Together, these dates mark a dangerous trio of opportunities for criminals and troublemakers. It’s a stark reminder that the festive period requires extra vigilance.
One in three of UK homeowners leave doors or windows unlocked
If the darker nights create opportunity, relaxed security habits provide easy access. Origin’s own national survey found that one in three UK residents admits to regularly leaving doors or windows unlocked while at home. Even more concerning, 9% said they always or often leave them unlocked overnight, and another 8% confessed to doing so only sometimes.
Even when leaving home for a short period, the pattern doesn’t improve. 11% of respondents said they at least sometimes leave a door or window open.
These behaviours highlight how complacency can undermine even the best security technology. Many homeowners feel safe because they’re nearby or awake, but 60% burglaries occur when occupants are at home. Criminals target opportunity, not just absence and an unlocked door or an open ground-floor window is often all they need.
As Origin’s in-house security expert, Dave Ginger explains:
“As the days get shorter and evenings get darker, it’s essential to prioritise home security. Simple steps like ensuring all external doors have high-quality locks, such as multipoint locking systems and secure frames, can make a significant difference.”
Are standard uPVC windows secure enough?
Even when homeowners remember to lock up, many put too much faith in their existing window security. The same Origin research survey revealed that while most windows feature basic lockable handles, advanced security features are far less common:
- 60% of households don’t have multipoint locks on windows
- 76% lack night vents
- 79% don’t have opening restrictors
- 85% use standard, non-laminated glass
- 97% do not take advantage of security film
- 81% of windows are made from uPVC, which can move out of alignment over time and aren’t as strong as some other materials.
While functional, basic uPVC windows with single-point locks offer lower resistance to tampering than stronger systems, such as Origin’s aluminium Windows. High security features don’t just deter entry, they delay it. With forced entry attempts taking longer, it often forces burglars to abandon their efforts. Multipoint locking systems secure the window at multiple points along the frame, making it harder to jemmy, preventing the kind of quick, quiet entry that’s common with older windows, with single-point locks.
Similarly, features such as night vents allow homeowners to ventilate rooms safely, locking the window slightly ajar without compromising security. Opening restrictors add another layer of protection, which is especially important in family homes where safety and security must go hand in hand. These stop the windows from opening fully which prevents any intruder from being able to crawl through from the outside.
UK burglary hotspots revealed – which areas are most at risk?
The recent analysis also shows that burglary rates are not evenly spread across the UK. Metropolitan areas dominate the top of the list, with London, Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire collectively accounting for over a third (37%) of all incidents in 2023. Outside the major cities, Thames Valley, Lancashire, and Hampshire also reported high levels of break-ins.
The combination of dense housing, easy escape routes, and the anonymity of city living makes urban areas particularly appealing to burglars. However, rural and suburban homeowners shouldn’t feel immune.
In fact, people living in rural areas reported leaving their homes unlocked more often than those in very urban areas (Origin, 2025).
Securing the home with Origin premium Windows
For homeowners looking to strengthen their home’s defences, investing in intelligently engineered, certified products can make all the difference. Origin Windows are built from premium-grade aluminium, offering exceptional strength without compromising style. Unlike uPVC, or wood, aluminium frames resist warping, maintain alignment under stress, and integrate seamlessly with high-security locking systems.
Origin Windows can be specified to be PAS 24 compliant and Secured by Design accredited, meeting the rigorous standards endorsed by UK police for crime prevention. These certifications guarantee that the windows have been independently tested for resistance against forced entry, including attacks using tools and leverage.
Security is built into every detail. Multipoint window locking systems secure the frame at several points. Additionally, night vents provide safe ventilation even when locked, and optional opening restrictors enhance child safety and prevent intruders from gaining access. Combined with laminated or toughened glass options, these features deliver comprehensive protection without sacrificing functionality, natural light or visual appeal.
As Dave Ginger adds:
“When it comes to windows, it’s not just about keeping the cold out - it’s about keeping your family safe. Look for products with proven security credentials, because peace of mind is built, not guessed.”
How to make your windows more burglar-proof your windows this season
When replacing your doors and windows is not realistic for your current situation, there are ways you can prevent opportunistic burglaries.
- Lock your windows and doors (removing the key) every night and every time you are away from home.
- Make sure your external lights are scheduled to come on when the sun sets.
- Use security film, such as solar-reflective film or one-way film, to enhance privacy and prevent intruders from seeing into your home.
- Install security cameras to deter burglars and aid any police investigation if someone does attempt a robbery.
- If available on your windows, use night vents and opening restrictors when ventilating the home, day and night, as these will make it significantly harder to gain access to the property, without compromising comfort.
- Do not leave your doors open, even for party guests.
- Set smart bulbs to come on at sunset so your home appears occupied until you get home.
