8 tips to keep burglars out during the holidays
The cozy month of December is upon us again. The month of St. Nicholas, Christmas and New Year's Eve. With the holidays we spend a lot of time away from home, for example with family or friends. Unfortunately, burglars know this too, which is why traditionally every year most burglaries take place during the holidays.
December = holiday month. Also for burglars
Holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve are as popular as ever each year among burglars. Claims to insurers show that the risk of burglary during the holidays is more than 50 percent higher than on an average "normal" day. Because many people celebrate these days away from home, houses are empty for large parts of the day. The ideal time for burglars to make their move. Are you planning to spend the holidays out of doors? Then take some measures to keep burglars out. That way you can enjoy the cozy holidays without any worries.
Tip 1: Make yourself at home
A dark house shows potential burglars that you are not home. By turning on some lights you give the impression that someone is home. If you are away from home for long periods of time, you can also use time switches. These will turn on a lamp at a set time or you can control them with an app. Also consider garden lighting. The better lit the garden, the less attractive your home is to burglars. After all, this makes them easier to see.
Tip 2: Lock doors and close windows
Maybe you do it sometimes too: shut the door behind you but don't lock it. For example, because you're just going to run an errand. In doing so, however, you only make it easier for burglars to break in. They know various clever tricks to quickly open an unlocked door, for example with a bank card (pinball) or a piece of wire. They can also get in through open windows, even if these are only ajar. Therefore, before you leave, close all windows and lock all doors. Do not forget the back door and the garden door.
Tip 3: Don't leave the key in the lock
Remember to remove the key from the lock after you have turned the door to lock. This applies, of course, when you have locked the door from the outside, but also when you do so from the inside. For example, burglars can try to turn the key through the mailbox. Also, never hide a key in a place outside, such as under a flowerpot or doormat. These are the first places a burglar will look for a spare key.
Tip 4: Put expensive items out of sight
Store expensive items such as laptops, tablets and phones, and don't leave them in full view. Especially if it is possible to see into your home from the street, it is important to store valuables. That way you won't tempt potential burglars either.
Tip 5: Make sure there are no "steps" in your garden
Did you know that your yard is probably full of attributes to break into? Think of garbage containers, ladders and garden furniture, for example. Thieves can use these as stepping stones to climb onto your roof or balcony, for example, or to access the upper floor. Before you leave, therefore, store these items properly in a shed or garden shed. If you can't store them, you can also secure them with a chain. However, do not do this under or near a balcony or window.
Tip 6: Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on you
Will your neighbors be home during the holidays? If so, ask if they might want to keep an eye out while you are away. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, perhaps they can open and close the curtains once or put coffee cups on the table, giving the house a lived-in impression.
Tip 7: Don't share on social media that you are not home
Are you active on social media? Burglars also like to use Facebook and Instagram, for example. This allows them to see exactly whether or not you are home during the holidays. Therefore, pay close attention to what you post on social media. Also check the privacy settings of your posts, so you know who all can see your posts.
Tip 8: Start a WhatsApp group with the neighborhood
Research has shown that the number of burglaries in a neighborhood decreases if neighborhood residents alert each other in a WhatsApp group when they see something suspicious. This makes people more alert to suspicious figures.
Have you already taken out a good household insurance policy?
With contents insurance, your belongings are insured in case of theft. Often, not only items are stolen, but there is also damage to your home. Both damage caused by the burglary and the replacement of the stolen items are insured with contents insurance.
Insurers often do impose certain requirements and conditions in cases of burglary and theft. For example, the insurer wants a report to be made to the police. Proof of the report must also be shown when claiming the damage. It is also good to know that many insurers have a maximum amount of compensation for valuables, such as antiques, art or expensive collections. If you have a lot of valuables in your home, it is a good idea to look into valuables insurance.
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