Motion activated lights can absolutely deter some burglars from trying to enter your home at night, especially if it is clear you have cameras that are strong enough to record and identify a person, but in general motion activated security lights are likely not that effective. This is because most burglaries happen between 6am and 6pm when burglars think nobody is at home and roughly 65% of them between 10am and 3pm while you’re at school or work.
There are some types of home and property damage motion activated lights may help prevent including:
- Neighborhood vandals or kids looking to play a prank
- Trespassers
- Entry point discovery if a burglar is scoping out a possible target
- Deer and wildlife that get startled easily
Interesting fact: Burglaries are seasonal with more happening during summer months than winter.
Burglars do not want to come in contact with other people as being caught in person is more likely going to lead to a physical confrontation. The burglars simply want money, medications, and valuables they can sell for profit. They likely do not want to have to fight or risk their own lives if you are armed.
Because they’ll be entering during the day, the motion activated lights won’t be a deterrent on their own as the light won’t be visible. If there is a camera that records the outside and inside of your home, this could be a deterrent as the perpetrator will be easier to identify. Another deterrent may be a sticker for an alarm system and that you’re a member of a gun society or association.
When the intruder knows you’re probably armed, and that an alarm may go off if they try to enter thanks to the alarm logo, their lives are now at risk if the proceed. This can also backfire as they may be armed and if they’re going to enter and risk their own lives, they’ll likely be expecting a fight if you’re home.
This means you’ll need a gun safe that has quick and reliable access for these threat situations. If you’re curious, here’s where burglars go first and the reasons why.
Motion activated lights can help scare off neighborhood vandals that may want to play a prank light toilet papering a tree or egging a door at night, or stop a deer from eating your garden, but they likely won’t stop a home intruder from breaking, so there are some benefits to having them.
If having motion activated lights makes you feel more secure, then by all means add them. A peace of mind is valuable, and they may help stop some situations so it doesn’t hurt to add them to your home.