A burglary at a house or apartment means not only financial losses but also tremendous stress. When criminals attack the place where we want to feel safe, it can be difficult to regain our peace of mind afterward. Open doors or windows can provide an opportunity for theft, even during a short absence or while household members are asleep. How can we protect ourselves from burglary? There is no perfect security measure, but by following a few basic rules, we can minimize the risk.
Before leaving, let us close the doors and windows. In detached buildings, we should also remember to close roof and basement windows, garage doors and other utility-room doors through which a thief could easily enter our home. We should not publicize information about a planned trip, for example on social media. Let us try not to leave valuables or cash in the apartment. We should also remember to turn off the water and gas valves.
Let us ask a trusted person to look after the apartment during our absence, leaving them a telephone number at which they can contact us at any time. A friendly neighbor will be a reliable choice in this case. They should check on our apartment or house during our absence, turn on the lights from time to time and collect the mail that accumulates.