10 tips to protect yourself against burglary

Your home is your refuge, your shelter, a place where you should feel totally safe. Unfortunately, nowadays, the number of burglaries is exploding. In France, a burglary every 90 seconds. It is therefore better to take the lead and protect yourself, if you do not want to be among the victims.

On this page, you will find tips on how to keep burglars away and how to protect yourself against burglaries :

1. Do not stir up envy

Some everyday gestures, which seem insignificant, can make you a prime target for burglars and thieves. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Don't leave items lying around your front door or in your yard that can to arouse the envy of thieves (scooter, bike, sports equipment...). If you have a garage, use it to keep everything out of sight and make sure it is locked.
• The cardboard packaging of your new big screen TV, your new laptop computer or any other electronic equipment you have just purchased, when left next to the trash can or in front of your door, is an invitation to burglars. Fold the packaging and place it carefully inside your garbage can so that it is not visible.
• Take a look around your house or apartment and check your windows for valuable items, or electronic equipment, that could encourage thieves to break into your home. If necessary, install blinds, shades, and curtainsor anti-glare film on the windows.
• Don't make it easy for thieves to leave tools, such as a ladder, hammer or other items, that can be used to enter your home.

2. Use deterrence

Just as it is important not to stir up envy, it is essential to to dissuade and discourage potential burglars on the lookout. Thieves are opportunistic and look for easy targets. If you take the trouble to deter them, they will look elsewhere. Here are a few ways to discourage thieves:

• Clearly and prominently display a sign (or tag) that indicates you have a surveillance or security system, even if you don't have one. A "Beware of Bad Dog" sign will also work.
• If you can't afford a real surveillance system, you can buy fake cameras that cost less. However, care must be taken to place them in such a way that they are neither too visible nor totally hidden. This will prevent thieves from discovering that they are fake.
• Motion detector projectorsThese lights, which light up as soon as someone approaches your property, are not too expensive and are sure to confuse burglars. In addition to exposing the burglar, the lights alert you and your neighbors to any presence.
• Your wall of fence should be high enough and difficult to climb. You can also consider setting up an anti-intrusion fence or harrow, to send the right message.

3. Make sure everything is locked down

It seems obvious, but many people don't do it, or often forget to do it. From the front door, to the door that connects your garage and your house, to the patio door in the garden or on the balcony, all doors should be locked, not just closed. The same goes for windows, no matter how high up the window is. Locking doors and windows should be a reflex, whether you are indoors, in the garden, or have a sudden urge to go out. Even if you're not going to be away for long, or if you plan to stay close to home, always take the time to close and lock everything.

4. Secure doors and windows

The majority of burglaries and break-ins occur through a door or window. A weak front door is an invitation to burglars. For your entrance, choose a sturdy door with an A2P certified multipoint lockand you should greatly minimize the risk of a break-in.

Besides your front door, you should know that sliding doors and bay windows are particularly targeted by thievesThey are easy to break. They can be easily broken by pulling them out of their tracks, popping the strike plate with a screwdriver, or breaking the glass. It is therefore advisable to opt for sliding doors with anti-burglary glazing and security locks at the level of the strikers as well as the strips (rails).

For windows, you can use secure locks and burglar-proof glazing, or security film to apply on the windows. Add some shutters with box and burglars will not risk it.

5. Keep a good visibility

A dark, poorly lit home makes it much easier for a burglar to get in. He can keep a lookout without being noticed, then slip quietly inside and leave, knowing that there is little chance of being seen. The installation of projectors with motion detector allows to answer this problem in a dissuasive way. The burglar is surprised by the light that goes off and draws your attention, as well as that of the neighborhood, to him.

And to further enhance safety, make sure your yard and exterior do not offer no places that would help a burglar to hide. Consider trimming your shrubs and plants which, when left untended, reduce your field of vision and cast a shadow that helps intruders to hide.

6. Equip yourself with a security or surveillance system (alarm or cameras)

Of course, the ideal is to have a security or surveillance system. With opening detectors on doors and windows, motion detectors positioned in several rooms, and a transmitter, you will certainly be less anxious when leaving your home. As soon as an intrusion is detected, a siren (alarm) goes off, and the alert is automatically transmitted to the police, so that they can intervene as quickly as possible.

Or you can opt for a camera-based surveillance systemThese systems are usually sold on a subscription basis, with a remote monitoring company in charge of storing the recordings and notifying the police when necessary. This type of system is usually marketed as a subscription, with a remote monitoring company in charge of storing the recordings and notifying the police when necessary.

7. Get a guard dog

If you love animals, then you can combine business with pleasure and get a guard dog. However, certain breeds are preferable to ensure your security and watch over your home. On the other hand, the education of the dog, as well as the care, will have to be taken very seriously, if you do not wish to have obedience problems. This can be a problem especially with a large dog. His aggressiveness must be controlled and must not spill over into your life or that of your family. This is especially true when you have children. It is therefore necessary to weigh the pros and cons before committing yourself to this process.

8. Get closer to your neighbors

Having a good relationship with your neighbors is very helpful in protecting yourself from burglaries. Neighbors with whom you have a good relationship are more likely to notify the police if they see someone suspicious hanging around your home. On the other hand, if they are helpful and you know you can trust them, just let them know when you are away so they can keep an eye on your house or apartment. So don't hesitate to reach out to your neighbors and build a relationship with them.

9. Prepare for vacations and absences

Burglars generally do not like confrontation, they prefer to break into your home while you are away. To avoid a nasty surprise when you return, it's best to take a few steps before you leave:

• At the risk of repetition, before you leave, always make sure that all doors and windows are closed and locked.
• If you have neighbors, and you are on good terms with them, then you can inform them of your absence. This way, they will pay more attention to what is going on in your house after you leave. And if you trust them, even better, you can give them a key that they will use to pick up your mailand create an activity that will hide your absence from the eyes of burglars.
• Don't let your mail pile up in your mailboxIf you don't have a phone number, you may be able to tell thieves that you're not home. Have it picked up by someone you trust, or have it followed.
• Contact your local police station or gendarmerie brigade to report your absence. The police will then be able to monitor your home in the context of operation "tranquillity vacations.
• For those who live in a building and have a janitor, it is recommended to inform him.
• Apart from the trusted persons mentioned above, and for obvious reasons, it is preferable to do not share information about your absence or your departure on vacation. Also, be careful with the information you post on social networks, as burglars regularly scan them.

10. In case of a burglary

Finally, if despite all your prevention efforts you are confronted with a burglary, follow these tips to react appropriately:

• Stay calm and don't panic.
• If the burglar is still there, don't walk towards him or her and don't try to scare or intimidate them.
• Leave your home. Otherwise, try to find a safe place to hide.
• Call the police and make sure you give them all the information they need to respond quickly.

If you want to know more about how to react in case of a burglary, you can read our article on this subject.