What happened? - Burglary risk rises during the holiday season
The summer holidays bring an increased risk of burglary for homeowners. While burglars are active all year round, the holiday season offers them particularly many opportunities because large numbers of residents are away. The police are warning against typical mistakes that turn your own home into easy prey.
Deserted houses are often easy for offenders to spot: overflowing letterboxes are considered reliable proof that residents are away, and closed roller shutters signal an empty property from a distance. Notes about absences left for delivery services on the front door, or corresponding messages on the answering machine, also inadvertently inform potential burglars.
The details - how to protect your home effectively
Simulating presence successfully
Your absence does not have to be visible to outsiders. Targeted measures can create the impression of an occupied house. Trustworthy people should empty the letterbox regularly, while the daily newspaper and other subscriptions should be paused for the duration of the holiday.
Modern technology supports presence simulation: timers or smart home systems can switch on lights periodically. TV or shadow simulators also have a deterrent effect. Simple tricks such as placing rubber boots or shoes in front of the door reinforce the impression of an occupied house.
Minimising incentives for burglars
Valuables such as laptops, cameras, jewellery or cash should never be left clearly visible from outside. These items – including personal valuables of high individual worth – belong out of sight, ideally in a safe or a safe deposit box.
Mechanical security technology as core protection
Should burglars see through the presence simulation, mechanical security technology on windows and doors takes effect. According to the police, it can prevent 90 percent of burglaries. The reason: it steals the offenders' most precious commodity – time. Because burglars are under considerable time pressure, they abandon the attempt when they encounter mechanical resistance.
Assessment - why professional security technology is decisive
Burglary protection is not a question of how long you are away – it counts from the very first minute of absence, whether that is a quick trip to the bakery or a holiday lasting several weeks. The high success rate of mechanical security technology of 90 percent underlines its importance as the primary protective measure.
The police advice centres offer individual and comprehensive information on burglary protection and strongly recommend paying attention to tested quality when selecting security technology and installation companies.
Practical tips - observe quality standards and certifications
Choose certified specialist companies
When selecting an installation company, homeowners should opt for certified specialist companies, which can be identified for example by their inclusion in the police register of certified companies.
Standards for new windows and doors
New windows and doors should be tested and certified in accordance with DIN EN 1627 and should have at least resistance class RC-2. This standard guarantees a defined protection level against attempted break-ins.
Retrofit options for existing elements
Existing windows and doors can be retrofitted with hardware in accordance with DIN 18104 part 2, or fitted with surface-mounted security devices in accordance with DIN 18104 part 1. These solutions also offer effective protection in older properties.
Specialised security solutions are available for particularly valuable items or important documents. A deposit safe can be used for regular deposits of valuables, for example, while professional systems are also deployed in commercial settings, such as an offertory box in churches.
Outlook - systematic preparation pays off
The "Zuhause sicher" network provides a checklist entitled "Before you leave the house", which helps you check before going on holiday whether all protective measures have been considered. This systematic approach minimises the risk of overlooking important security aspects.
The combination of simulated presence and professional mechanical security technology to DIN standards creates a multi-layered security concept. Modern solutions such as Wardhub systems can additionally enable monitoring and control of security technology from a distance.
Anyone who invests in high-quality security technology early on and makes use of the advisory services offered by the police can set off on holiday with peace of mind – knowing that their home is protected as well as possible.
