Security lighting fulfills a number of important psychological functions. Primarily, security lighting provides the user with peace of mind, and reduces worries over burglaries in the home. Having a security light fitted also alters the perception of a property, while also being shaped by how a home owner interprets their immediate surroundings and their threat level. In terms of potential thieves, security lights act as an important deterrent that creates uncertainty about going through with a job. However, it is important to think carefully about whether security lights are being properly used, and how they might create a different impression for would-be thieves. These points are developed below: 

1 – Peace of Mind 

Having a basic set of security lights grants a home owner a level of personal safety. Those worried about being robbed or their property vandalised are able to rely on extra security to reduce risk. While perhaps only being a simple solution to increasing security, having lights in place can mean that a home owner can think less about monitoring and checking their property for threats. Relying on lights to provide this alert means that a plan is in place to provide an early warning, and more time to respond to a problem. 

2 – Perception of Property 

How security lights work depend on a person’s perception of their property and the surrounding area. Those that feel safe within a suburban or gated community might view security lights as an unnecessary expense, due to their belief that security is already provided for. Others may use security lights to better control their fears about living in an urban area with a high crime rate. Again, peace of mind and reduced anxiety are some of the primary psychological drivers behind installing security lights. 

3 – Deterrent 

Understanding the psychology of thieves is important to protecting your home. Sudden bright lights, or a well lit driveway and door, can be unattractive to thieves exploring a neighbourhood at night. Lights draw the attention of those in the neighbourhood, and lower the ability of a thief from being able to make a break in without identified. The shock factor of bright lights kicking in can also make a thief leave by creating the impression of further security features within a property. 

4 – Caution 

It is important, however, not to overvalue or rely on security lighting for peace of mind, or to trust that they will necessarily scare off burglars. Lights on a timer may indicate to a burglar that the owners of a property are not there, while those that scout out a neighbourhood will be able to work out if there aren’t any extra security measures. The problem of lights coming on for passers by may also mean that people are less likely to turn to lighting as a sole solution for their security. In this way, it’s also important to have a good set of bolts, glass breakage detectors and other devices in place if you are worried about a break in to your home.

About the author
Serena is an in-house copywriter for a leading supplier of energy saving electrical supplies at Discount Electrical. In her spare time she writes various other blogs online on numerous other topics such as health, automotive and the theatre.