For some reason, I was assuming he was talking about motion sensors all along. I now see that he just said "automated".

Motion sensor lights, IMO, make a lot more sense. A thief who sees a light on is likely to make an educated judgment on whether he wants to risk it. A thief who goes into a dark area and has lights turn on is much more likely to be startled off. Not only that, but neighbors are much more likely to notice a light suddenly blinking on than a person wandering by.