Protecting what matters most

As the nights draw in, Crimestoppers and Ring launch partnership to help keep communities safe.

As autumn arrives and we prepare for the clocks to go back, millions of people across the UK will find themselves travelling to and from work, school and social activities in darkness. Shorter days and longer nights can affect how safe people feel, both at home and within their local communities.

October also marks National Home Security Month, an annual opportunity for households to review how they protect their homes, possessions and loved ones. As many families prepare for the darker months ahead, it's an ideal time to think about simple steps that can help reduce opportunities for crime and increase peace of mind.

That's why Crimestoppers and Ring are launching a new partnership focused on helping people protect what matters most: their families, homes and neighbourhoods. While our organisations have different roles, we share a common goal of helping people feel safer and more connected to their communities. 

As an independent charity, Crimestoppers gives people the power to speak up about crime anonymously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide practical crime prevention advice to help people stay safe and reduce opportunities for crime. 

The partnership builds on the success of Safe Street, our community safety campaign which encourages neighbours, charities, businesses and local organisations to work together to help make communities safer. 

For many households, autumn is an ideal time to review home security

Criminals often look for easy opportunities, such as poorly lit entrances, unlocked doors, visible valuables or homes that appear unoccupied.

When Hannah, a teacher from Nottingham, started arriving home after dark every evening, she became increasingly concerned about the poorly lit alleyway beside her property. After speaking with neighbours, she installed additional outdoor lighting, secured a rear gate and joined a local online neighbourhood group.

"It wasn't about being fearful," she says. "It was about feeling prepared. We all started talking more as neighbours and keeping an eye out for one another."

While Hannah's story is fictional, the actions she took reflect practical measures that experts regularly recommend.

Top autumn home safety tips

• Check that all external doors and windows lock properly.
• Trim hedges and shrubs that could provide cover for offenders.
• Install lighting around entrances, pathways and side access routes.
• Keep valuables away from windows and out of sight.
• Consider technology such as video doorbells, cameras or alarms that allow you to monitor activity around your property.
• Get to know your neighbours and look out for one another. 

According to Neighbourhood Watch, homes combining good locks, indoor timer lights and external security lighting can significantly reduce burglary risk. 

As we move into the darker months, keeping communities safe is something everyone can play a part in. Whether that's improving security around your home, checking in on vulnerable neighbours or sharing information about crime anonymously, small actions can make a meaningful difference.

If you have information about crime and want to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers online, here on our website, or call 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999. 

23 October 2026