Every year, more than 3,000 inhabited homes are burglarized, according to statistics from the Grand Ducal Police. Whether in an apartment or a house, in the city or in the countryside, primary or secondary residences: anyone can be exposed and affected one day.
Faced with this reality, simple actions can help you better protect your home and avoid such troubles. Remember: burglars are primarily looking for ease and speed. To discourage them, here are some essential tips: they’re not necessarily difficult to put into practice, but they can truly make all the difference!
Secure Access Points: Doors and Windows
Very often, burglars simply use the front door to get inside the home. Logically, this is the first point that must be secured without delay!
To do so, you can of course invest in a security door. Extremely safe, they can withstand several minutes of attempted break-ins, which naturally discourages offenders. Even simpler: reinforce your current door by adding a security lock (at least 3 locking points). Other accessories can also help you feel safer in general, such as a peephole or a door chain.
“Reinforce your current door by adding a security lock (at least 3 locking points).”
Once the front door is secured, don’t neglect windows and all other doors (glass or otherwise). Here too, you can install locking systems suited to your openings.
Invest in Alarms and Smart Devices
Nowadays, security technologies are affordable and fairly easy to install, making them a real deterrent.
- The alarm: it triggers a powerful signal in case of intrusion. The mere presence of a sticker indicating that an alarm is installed can deter a burglar.
- Door and window sensors, and motion detectors: they can trigger a siren and/or send a notification to your phone if something unusual occurs. Some motion detectors will even switch on lights in outdoor areas when someone passes by, further discouraging burglars.
- Surveillance cameras: they allow you to monitor your home in real time. You can of course set up notifications to be alerted of any intrusion.
Purchasing a presence simulator can also be a great option, especially if you’re often away for extended periods. It automatically switches lights on and off at different times, helping to prevent your home from appearing unoccupied.
Adopt the Right Habits
Beyond installations and devices, certain good habits can make all the difference. First of all, never leave spare keys hidden under a doormat or a flower pot: this trick is far too well-known by burglars and still claims many victims every year.
“Never leave spare keys hidden under a doormat or a flower pot: this trick is far too well-known by burglars.”
Always lock your door, even if you’re only stepping out for a few minutes… Many burglaries actually occur in broad daylight, precisely when residents let their guard down for a short while.
Do not leave valuables or important documents visible from outside. For example, if you own expensive jewelry, don’t hesitate to store them in a safe for better protection in case of intrusion.
Finally, be mindful of what you share on social media: avoid announcing your vacation plans publicly, as burglars increasingly use such information to target homes.
Whether it’s small installations that deter burglars or good habits you can adopt right away, take advantage of every opportunity to better protect your home… so you can leave with greater peace of mind and avoid unnecessary trouble!
