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Unfortunately, the scenario is all too familiar and often occurs after a sunny getaway, when you’re about to return to your cozy home… A door has been forced, a window has been broken, and thieves have ransacked your place, taking with them valuable items that are dear to you. This nightmare is avoidable! Here are some tips…
The latest complete statistics from the federal police (2023) show that there were 38,217 burglaries in private homes over the course of a year, with a total of 49,021 burglaries, including those targeting businesses. While the risk of burglary can never be reduced to zero, it’s important to know that burglars primarily look for easy targets. Every obstacle you add, every doubt they have, will make them more likely to change their target.
Avoid signs of absence
A car parked outside that doesn’t move for 15 days is a gift for unwanted visitors. The same goes for closed shutters or a pile of mail accumulating in the mailbox… Ideally, you should rely on a trusted person to simulate activity (opening/closing shutters, collecting mail, etc.).
However, trust must be at its maximum, as you’re entrusting them with a big responsibility! If you don’t want to give your key to a neighbor, don’t hesitate to ask them to take the mail from your mailbox and park occasionally in your driveway to simulate a visit.
Lighting and mail
If you can’t ask a trusted person to help, there are other options: park your car in long-term parking, ask BPost to hold your mail or send it to a different address while you’re abroad, and if windows are visible, set up a timed light to make it look like someone is home.
If you have a garden
Don’t hesitate to invest in motion-sensor lighting, which is inexpensive and can quickly deter unwanted visitors.
A final check
Have you checked your luggage three times to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything? Don’t forget to do the same with your doors and windows! Even one open tilt-and-turn window is a gift for thieves. Also, avoid leaving spare keys under the doormat or flowerpots, as these are easily found by burglars who know all the tricks. Be sure not to leave a ladder or tools in the garden and securely lock any garden sheds or workshops. Sometimes, a thief becomes one out of opportunity…
Be discreet
Not all Facebook “friends” are real friends, and some of us are unaware of the actual audience for our posts… Be very discreet on social media when you’re going on vacation! And if the urge to share your sunny photos arises, you can do so once you’re back.
Notify the police
In some municipalities, you can ask the local police to pass by your house more frequently.
Trust the pros
Afraid of leaving home for fear of unwanted visitors? Want daily reassurance about your home? Don’t hesitate to call on Protection UNIT, the leader in quality and customer service! Our highly qualified mobile security agents offer customized services based on your needs. They are all equipped with a mobile phone with an app that allows them to generate daily service reports. Thanks to this digital tool, you can receive updates on your home every day! This sporadic presence of our mobile team, at hours and days that remain undetermined, is particularly deterrent for thieves who won’t be able to plan their crime.
Want to speak with our customer service for a free estimate? Feel free to contact us at sales@protectionunit.com