Does Leaving a Light On Really Deter Burglars?
It's advice as old as electricity itself: "Leave a light on when you go out, it'll keep the burglars away." Many of us have done it, hoping that simple porch light or a lamp in the living room acts as an invisible shield around our homes. But in an era of increasingly savvy criminals and advanced technology, does this traditional tactic still hold water? Or is it just an old habit that wastes energy and offers a false sense of security?
At Kangaroo Home Security, we're all about smart, effective, and affordable ways to protect what matters most. So, let's dive deep into whether a simple light is your best defense or if there are brighter ideas for keeping your home safe.
What the Research Says About Lights as a Deterrent
The idea of using lights to ward off intruders isn’t entirely off base—visibility plays a role in burglar decision-making. According to a survey of incarcerated burglars conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, many offenders said they’d avoid homes that had signs of occupancy. However, a single light left on for hours or days is easily recognizable as a decoy.
In fact, security experts warn that static lighting patterns can backfire, signaling that no one is actually home. Burglars are observant. A constantly lit porch or living room lamp at 2 a.m. might do the opposite of what you intend—making your home an obvious target.
So, Does Leaving a Light On Deter Burglars?
Short answer: Not reliably. A single light—especially if it's always on—won’t fool experienced intruders. If anything, it shows you’re using an outdated method of home protection.
The Modern Reality: Why a Single Light Might Not Be Enough
Experienced burglars often look for patterns.
The "Always-On" Giveaway: A single light left on 24/7 for several days can be a clear signal that no one is actually home. It's predictable.
Interior Lights During the Day: A living room lamp blazing at 2 PM on a sunny Wednesday when you're supposedly "home" can look more suspicious than reassuring.
No Other Signs of Life: If the light is on but mail is piling up and newspapers are on the driveway, the illusion shatters.
It's Passive, Not Active: A light doesn't call for help. It doesn't record evidence. It doesn't alert you if someone does decide to test their luck.
A 2018 study by the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted that while crime rates have generally declined, property crimes still occur, and burglars often look for signs of an empty home. While they didn't focus solely on lights, the implication is that convincing signs of occupancy are key.
So, does leaving a light on deter burglars? The answer is: it can help as a minor deterrent, but it’s far from a foolproof solution on its own and can even be counterproductive if not done thoughtfully.
Brighter Ideas: Smart Lighting and Layered Security
Instead of a static light, think dynamic and smart. This is where modern home security, like the solutions we offer at Kangaroo, truly shines.
Smart Timers & Randomization: Using smart plugs or smart bulbs (which can integrate with a wider smart home setup) allows you to schedule lights to turn on and off at various times in different rooms. This creates a much more believable illusion of someone being home.
Motion-Activated Lights: The Active Deterrent: These are a game-changer. Motion Sensor Lights are far more effective than constantly-on lights. A sudden flood of light can startle an intruder and draw attention from neighbors. Paired with Kangaroo's Motion + Entry Sensors, you not only get the light but an instant alert on your phone.
Explore Kangaroo Sensors: Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensors
Visible Cameras: The Ultimate Warning Sign: Few things deter a burglar more than the visible presence of security cameras. They know they're being watched and recorded.
Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Cam: Offers a versatile way to monitor your property.
Video Doorbell Cameras: Let you see and speak to anyone at your door, from anywhere. This creates an immediate sense of presence.
Meet the Kangaroo Doorbell Camera: Kangaroo Doorbell Camera & Chime
A Comprehensive Security System: The most effective approach is a layered one. Lights can be part of the strategy, but they should support a more robust system.
Audible Alarms: Kangaroo systems can include sirens that trigger upon unauthorized entry, drawing significant attention.
Professional Monitoring: For ultimate peace of mind, Kangaroo's optional Professional Monitoring plans ensure that if a sensor is tripped or an alarm sounds, security professionals are alerted and can dispatch emergency services if needed.
Security Yard Signs & Window Stickers: Don't underestimate these! Advertising that your home is protected by a system like Kangaroo can be a significant deterrent. Some police departments, like the City of Irvine, recommend these as part of a home security strategy.
The Kangaroo Advantage: Smart, Simple, Affordable Security
At Kangaroo, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe without breaking the bank or dealing with complicated setups. Our systems are designed to be:
Easy to Install: DIY setup in minutes.
Affordable: Top-tier security without the premium price tag. Check out our Bundles for complete kits.
Flexible: Choose the components you need and add on as your needs grow. From a simple Water + Climate Sensor to a full security array.
App-Controlled: Monitor and manage your home security from anywhere via the Kangaroo app.
The Verdict: Don’t Rely on Just a Light, Get Smart About Security
Leaving a single light on is a low-effort tactic that offers minimal, and sometimes misleading, security. While it's better than a completely dark house, it pales in comparison to the active, intelligent deterrence provided by a modern home security system.
For true peace of mind, especially when you're away, upgrade from a simple light bulb to a smart, layered security strategy. Think motion-activated lights, visible cameras, and monitored sensors.
Ready to make your home truly secure? Explore Kangaroo's range of affordable home security solutions today and see how easy it is to get the peace of mind you deserve.
Have more questions about home security? Check out our blog for more tips and insights!
