Prepare Your Business for Shorter Days in the Bay Area: Fall Security Tips for 2025
As daylight hours shrink across the Bay Area, businesses face a seasonal shift in security challenges. By mid-October, sunset will fall before 6:30 PM, and Daylight Saving Time ends on November 2nd. This means more hours of darkness during peak business activity and after-hours, making properties more vulnerable to theft, loitering, and vandalism.
Whether you operate a retail store, a construction site, or a commercial warehouse, preparing now can prevent incidents later.
Why Shorter Days Increase Risk
Criminal activity often increases during early evening hours, especially when:
Parking lots are poorly lit
Rear entry points are left in the dark
Camera systems aren’t adjusted for earlier nightfall
Businesses delay scheduling patrols until after an incident happens
According to the National Institute of Justice, crimes like burglary and vandalism are significantly more likely to occur under the cover of darkness.
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Fall Security
1. Audit Your Outdoor Lighting
Walk your property at dusk and identify dark zones. Upgrade to motion-activated floodlights or solar-powered lights if needed. Well-lit exteriors are proven deterrents.
2. Adjust Camera Angles and Night Settings
Make sure your security cameras are optimized for earlier sunsets. Adjust for infrared or night vision settings and reposition if shadows now cover key entry points.
3. Schedule Patrols Before Sunset
Many businesses wait too long to start patrol coverage. By shifting patrol times to start at 5 PM instead of 7 PM, you can deter crime before it happens.
4. Secure Rear Entrances and Perimeter Fencing
With less visibility, fences and secondary entry points become targets. Reinforce locks, install additional lighting, and make sure these zones are covered by surveillance.
5. Review Past Incidents
Look at your incident reports from last fall. Were there spikes in trespassing, loitering, or property damage? Use that data to guide your fall security strategy.
Bonus: Free Fall Security Checklist
We created a printable Fall Security Checklist you can use during your next walkthrough. It includes:
Lighting audit
Camera coverage map
Patrol timing worksheet
Emergency contact updates
Stay Ahead of the Season
As the Bay Area transitions into fall, don’t let shorter days catch your business off guard. At Private Security Plus, we help clients get ahead of seasonal risks with:
Flexible patrol scheduling
Mobile surveillance towers
Lighting audits and site assessments
Want a walkthrough of your site before daylight savings ends?