Homeowners are being warned to be vigilant as we head into the "peak time" for pre-Christmas break-ins.
Theft claims have rocketed by a third over previous winters according to a top insurer.
After conducting an analysis of thousands of customer claims since 2013, the Co-op insurance revealed that home theft increased by 34% in the five months of shorter days after British Summer Time.
They compared claim figures for the five months leading up to the clocks going back, which happens next weekend on October 28, with the data for the five months following the change.
Their analysis also revealed that Friday is the most likely day of the week for a theft to occur.
The dark winter nights provide the perfect opportunity for criminals to spot unoccupied homes with no lights on, revealed the Mirror .
And according to the data, thefts at homes between November and March are more likely to involve forced and violent entry than summer month break-ins.
Thefts in the summer months are instead often opportunistic, such as a thief who may con their way into their victim's home by persuasion rather than by forcing their way inside.
The analysis also found that towards the end of October, when the clocks go back, motor claims increased by 10% due to road traffic accidents.
Co-op insurance said that while driving conditions are often more difficult on darker nights, there can be other contributing factors such as drivers not turning their lights on, vehicles having faulty lights as well as wetter and more icy conditions with windscreens cracking.
Ian Kershaw, head of claims at the Co-op Insurance said: "Unfortunately darker nights lead to more burglaries so as the nights draw in we're urging people be really vigilant when it comes to their personal safety, as well as the safety of their home.
"Whilst in a lot of cases it is simply bad luck, there are things that home owners can do to deter thieves such as installing CCTV cameras, or at least dummy ones, and having a professional burglar alarm fitted to make burglars think twice.
"Looking out for yourself and your neighbours can actually have a real impact in creating a safer community.
"But, if you do see anything suspicious on your street, never put yourself in danger by going investigating alone, instead call the police."
