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.

The short answer

Before bed, check: all external doors locked, windows secured, alarm set (if applicable), high-value items out of sight, car keys hidden, and exterior lights working. This takes 2 minutes and prevents the majority of opportunistic break-ins.

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

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

Start Tonight

This evening, before bed:

  1. Walk your property systematically
  2. Check every external door is fully locked
  3. Verify ground floor windows are closed and secured
  4. Move visible valuables out of sight
  5. 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.