It is important to be extra alert for burglars now. Because it gets dark earlier and earlier and then they can clearly see who is home in the evening and who is not. The police urge you to be well prepared. We have listed a number of tips from the police and a security company.
“Cybercrime is very much on the rise,” says the police, “but the old-fashioned way of breaking into people’s homes is still a lucrative business for many thieves.”
Security engineer Michel Hermans also sees that many people become lax in securing their home, especially if they have lived there for a few years. “For example, after a while people only close their front door when they leave and do not lock the door with the key,” he says. And thieves capitalize on that. “As long as nothing happens, people are not aware of the dangers. As soon as there is a burglary at their home or somewhere in the neighborhood, they knock on my door, but by then it is often too late.”
You can turn your house into a fortress, with expensive alarm systems and cameras. However, according to experts, this is not necessary. A few tips to keep burglars out:
- Always close all windows and doors. Even if you go away for a while
- Don’t just close your front door, but also lock it
- Use approved hinges and locks. You can recognize this by the SKG logo
- Provide good outdoor lighting
- Make sure the bushes are trimmed, thieves like to work out of sight
- Don’t hide your keys under the mat or in the flower pot. Thieves know those places too
- Never put a note on the door saying ‘I’m going away for a while’
- Do not leave wheelie bins against your house
- Leave a light on inside when you leave, so it looks like someone is home
- Also pay attention to your neighbor’s house. If you see anything suspicious, call the police immediately