During the dark winter months, burglaries occur more often than in the summer. Have you ever really taken a good look at your home to see whether it is attractive to burglars? Spokesperson Yvette Verboon of the The Hague police unit explains how home burglary occurs.
Because it gets dark earlier, burglars can see better when someone is home (or not) during the winter months. Even if you leave home for a moment, a burglar can strike. Are you going out? Make it look like someone is home. Leave lights on or set a timer on your lighting. You can also leave lights on or turn on the radio. Close and lock your windows and doors. And there are all kinds of others useful tips to prevent burglaries.
Windows and doors locked
Yvette says: “The way in which burglars enter is very diverse. And you can’t do something about everything. But it is also often the case that the opportunity makes the thief. A burglar is probably more likely to choose a dark home than one where it looks like the residents are at home. For example, if the front door is not locked, it can be very easy for a clever burglar to enter quickly and unseen.”
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Look critically at your home
According to Yvette, a high hedge or an unlit porch or porch are the ideal situations for a burglar. “He can hide and is difficult to see in the dark for passers-by. No one bothers him. So take a critical look at your own home. Prune your hedge on time and connect timers to your indoor and outdoor lighting.”
Inform the police
The police see a lot, but not everything. Yvette explains: “Of course, officers are alert to home burglaries when they patrol the neighborhood and we investigate home burglaries. But we ask residents to also be alert to suspicious situations in their neighborhood. People don’t know that they can also call 112 directly outside of the neighborhood watch app group, for example. Even gladly!”
So, do you see unknown people walking around the neighborhood conspicuously and showing a lot of interest in the homes? “Then call immediately. We can’t say it often enough.”
More tips
There are many more ways to stop burglars as much as possible. For example, good hinges and locks can prevent a lot. Do not place climbing equipment such as ladders in the garden. A rubbish bin is often sufficient to reach a balcony.
Do you see anything suspicious near you? Do not hesitate and call 112 immediately. Describe what you see or have just seen. And quickly check them all tips against burglars.