Protection tips: How to secure your house and apartment against burglars
To protect your house or apartment from burglars, the first step is to lock it! Even if you only have to go to the mailbox or the supermarket around the corner, the house should be locked. The key does not belong under the doormat, under the next flower pot or in the shoe next to the front door.
These tips are also helpful:
- Keep windows closed
An open window is like an invitation for burglars, especially since tilted windows don't even have to be opened forcibly to get into the house. If you are not at home, you should therefore close all windows. Tip: If a window is tilted and there is a break-in, the insurance will not cover the costs because such a window is considered open for insurance purposes. The break-in is now just a simple theft, in which unsecured cash or jewelry and other valuables are not insured.
- Asking neighbors for help
Who goes on vacation? even if only over the weekend - should ask his neighbors to keep an eye on the house and property. In the opposite case, this help should of course also be offered!
- Empty mailboxes regularly
An empty apartment is often revealed by an overflowing mailbox. It therefore makes sense to empty it or leave it empty during vacation times. Mail delivery can also be interrupted for the period of absence, but neighbors should remove newspapers and direct mail.
- Pay attention to markings
Do you know crooks? If not, learn what this is about as soon as possible. Because with these signs criminals communicate with each other and inform each other that something can be got here. New markings on buildings should be photographed and sent to the police. The marking should then be removed.
- Be active
Those who are at home are less likely to be hit by a break-in. But if you don't want to stay at home permanently, you have to at least fake activity and presence. This is made possible by the use of time switches, time-controlled lights and lamps, and TV simulators. Modern technology also offers good solutions via smart home equipment.
- Silence
If you won't be at home, you shouldn't spread this fact around everywhere. Anyone who reports on Facebook and Co. that they are not at home but on vacation should not be surprised when burglars use this information for themselves. They like to get information on social media and find out who is at home and who is not.
Conclusion: the little things make the difference
Good burglar protection is less about installing an alarm system. It's far more important to think about all the little things that tell burglars that nobody is home or that make it easier for criminals to get into the building. Therefore: Don't hide your keys, leave the windows open or announce on social media that nobody is home!
