Police:
Before leaving home, let us make sure that we do not encounter an unpleasant surprise when we return from our holiday break. Let us think about how to properly secure our home.
What do the officers advise?
There is no perfect protection against burglary, but we can reduce the risk ourselves. The best protection for a home is... a friendly neighbor.
Before leaving, therefore, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on what happens to our home during our absence. Give neighbors or friends a set of keys to our home. Ask them to open the windows from time to time and turn on the lights in the evening, remove advertising leaflets from the doormat, and collect the mail from the mailbox.
Before leaving, let us lock the doors and windows. In detached buildings, remember to close roof and basement windows, garage doors, and other utility-room doors through which a thief could easily enter our home.
Let us not publicize our departure; we should not leave this kind of information on an answering machine.
Try not to leave valuables or cash at home. Also remember to turn off the water and gas valves.
The officers add:
It is also worth remembering to secure your car. Park in a designated, well-lit and guarded place. Do not leave luggage or other items in visible places inside the vehicle—ideally, take them with you.