Most break-ins exploit unlocked doors and open windows. Not sophisticated attacks—simple opportunities that shouldn’t have existed.
A 2-minute evening routine closes these opportunities. Every night. Without fail. It’s the simplest security improvement you can make.
Why Routines Work
The Power of Habit
Security fails when:
- You forget to lock the back door once
- You leave a window open “just tonight”
- You assume someone else did it
- You’re too tired to bother
Routines eliminate these failures:
- Same actions, same order, every night
- No mental energy required
- Nothing gets forgotten
- Shared household responsibility clarity
"Burglars try doors. If it’s unlocked, they walk in. No picking, no forcing, no drama—just an open invitation that you left for them.
The Statistics
Studies consistently show:
- Significant percentages of break-ins involve no forced entry
- Unlocked doors and windows are primary entry points
- Night-time entries often exploit evening forgetfulness
- The simplest measures have the biggest impact
The 2-Minute Routine
Station 1: Front Door
Check:
- Door is fully closed (not just pulled to)
- Deadlock engaged (not just the latch)
- Chain/bar on if staying home (optional)
- Key removed from inside lock
- Letterbox is secure
For complete guidance, see our front door security guide.
Station 2: Back Door
Check:
- Fully closed and locked
- Secondary bolt engaged if fitted
- Key not left in lock
- Any glazing secure
Station 3: Other External Doors
Check:
- Garage connecting door locked
- Side entrance secured
- Utility room external door
- Any other household-specific doors
Station 4: Ground Floor Windows
Check:
- All windows closed
- Window locks engaged
- Keys removed (if separate)
- No vulnerability left “just for tonight”
Station 5: Valuables Check
Quick sweep:
- Laptops and tablets out of window view
- Handbags/wallets not visible from outside
- Car keys hidden, not on hallway table - see our guide on spare key storage
- Phones charging out of letterbox reach
Station 6: Alarm (If Applicable)
Set:
- System armed
- Correct mode selected (night/stay home)
- All zones confirmed
- Panel showing expected status
Station 7: Exterior Lights
Verify:
- Motion sensor lights working
- Timer lights programmed (if going out)
- No bulbs need replacing
- Dark spots addressed
Making It Stick
Route-Based Checking
Walk the same path each night:
- Front door → Back door → Side door → Kitchen windows → Living room windows → Hallway check → Alarm
Physical movement reinforces habit better than mental checklists.
Household Agreement
In shared households:
- Agree who does the check (rotating or designated)
- Don’t assume the other person did it
- Communicate when it’s done
- Back each other up
Trigger Points
Attach the routine to existing habits:
- Before making late evening tea
- After the last TV program
- When the dog goes out last time
- When turning off downstairs lights
Common Exceptions (And Why They’re Risky)
“I’m Just Going to Bed Quickly”
The routine is quick. Skipping it isn’t saving meaningful time. It’s accepting risk for no benefit.
”I’m Not Feeling Well”
A modified check takes 30 seconds. Front door, back door, done. Better than nothing.
”Someone Else Will Do It”
They won’t. Or they’ll assume you did. Clear responsibility prevents assumptions.
”It’s a Safe Neighbourhood”
Tonight. Burglars travel. Opportunity doesn’t require a crime-ridden area—just one unlocked door.
Beyond the Basic Routine
Additions for Higher Risk
If you’re in a higher-risk situation:
- Check cameras are recording
- Verify no unusual items outside (scouting indicators)
- Close curtains/blinds before turning on evening lights
- Check nothing valuable is visible through windows
Going Away Overnight
Extended routine before leaving:
- All windows secured including upstairs
- Timer lights set
- Normal mail arrangements confirmed
- Nothing signals absence
After Hosting Guests
Guests may have:
- Unlocked doors when stepping out
- Opened windows you don’t usually open
- Left secondary access points unsecured
Do a more thorough check than usual.
Teaching the Routine
Children
Age-appropriate involvement:
- Young children: Watch and learn the pattern
- Older children: Assigned checks (their bedroom windows)
- Teenagers: Full capability, rotating responsibility
New Household Members
Whether partner, flatmate, or family:
- Walk through the routine together
- Explain which locks engage fully
- Show alarm operation
- Establish shared expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a good security check take?
A thorough check of all doors, windows, and potential entry points takes 2-3 minutes. Once it becomes routine, you'll do it faster while still being thorough.
Should I check door locks even if I know I locked them?
Yes. Visual and physical verification catches unlocked doors you assumed were locked, doors that didn't fully engage, and family members who may have unlocked something.
Do security routines really prevent burglaries?
Many burglaries exploit unlocked or poorly secured entry points. A consistent routine ensures nothing is left vulnerable. It also makes security awareness a habit.
What should be included in a night security routine?
Check all doors (front, back, garage), verify all ground floor windows, ensure alarm is set if you have one, verify porch lights work, and confirm valuables aren't visible through windows.
What if I have lots of doors and windows?
The routine expands but remains systematic. Map your route, cover everything once, done. Even 5 minutes is worth it for complete security.
Should I check upstairs windows?
If accessible from outside (flat roof, extension, ladder-accessible), yes. Otherwise, lower priority than ground floor but still worth securing.
Is a 2-minute security check paranoid?
Two minutes of prevention isn't paranoia. It's the bare minimum of home security. Anyone who considers this excessive has never experienced a break-in.
What about pets that go out at night?
Cat flaps with microchip locks maintain security. For dogs, a designated person lets them out and immediately re-secures the door.
Start Tonight
This evening, before bed:
- Walk your property systematically
- Check every external door is fully locked
- Verify ground floor windows are closed and secured
- Move visible valuables out of sight
- Set your alarm if you have one
Do this for 7 days. By then, it’s habit. By then, you won’t even think about it—you’ll just do it.