June 19 was the first European Day Against Burglary. To mark the occasion, the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN), together with EU countries, launched the “Stop Domestic Burglary” campaign.
Komenda Główna Policji: – Burglary is a criminal offense that causes not only material losses but is also very often associated with a loss of the sense of security. According to psychologists, burglary victims experience anxiety, suffer from insomnia and headaches. The psychological effects are sometimes more serious than the loss of valuables. That is why European countries, united in the EUCPN and Europol, have joined forces as part of the “Stop Domestic Burglary” campaign.
The aim of the campaign is to remind citizens of several safety rules and encourage them to properly secure their belongings, apartment or house.
How can you avoid giving burglars a chance?
- before leaving for vacation, ask a neighbor or another trusted person to look after the house/apartment during our absence and collect incoming mail and leaflets from the mailbox
- never leave keys in an agreed location, such as under a doormat or flowerpot
- also remember to lock the doors and windows every time you leave the house, including basement and roof windows, and switch on the alarm
- before a longer trip, it is also worth turning off the valves supplying water and gas to the house and utility rooms
- when planning a vacation, consider depositing cash, valuables and other valuable items you own at a bank. We will certainly be able to collect them from there. They will wait safely for our return
- security is not something to economize on. Although protection can be costly, invest in burglar-resistant shutters, certified locks, an alarm connected to monitoring, motion sensors and good outdoor lighting. Remember: when selecting a house to break into, a thief will choose one with security measures that are easier to overcome!
- also bear in mind that social media can be a source of information for a thief. Post vacation photos only after returning home.