There is no getting away from it: the nights are starting earlier and the weather has turned. It will be several months before the sun starts setting after 8pm again.

Not only does that mean winter is coming, it also means it is a good time to start looking at home security. Dark evenings are the perfect cover for potential burglars, so deterring any unwanted visitors is important.

Technology can help. From security cameras to smart alarms, there is something for all needs and all budgets.

Video doorbells

Security starts at the perimeter of your home and the easiest way to boost your home’s defences is with a video doorbell. Not only are they a good way to screen potential callers, but most of the video bells available on the market will allow you to talk to your potential visitors from afar, making it appear as if someone is at home even when the house is empty.

It can also be a good way to keep an eye on deliveries, and tell delivery drivers where to stash your packages so that, for example, they don’t accidentally go out with the recycling bin collection.

Choice used to be limited but it seems as if everyone is getting in on the video bell act now.

Before you buy, there are some things to consider. Do you need to pay extra to access historical footage? Will the subscription cover any other cameras in your home from the same provider? Can you install it yourself or will it require the intervention of a professional?

The first thing to consider, however, is video quality.