The best tips

How to protect your belongings from burglars

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(Bild: Klemens Groh (Symbolbild))

Burglars are known to strike at any time of day or night. Especially in the fall, often at dusk and dawn. Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, the police are going on the offensive again and giving tips on how to fight the criminals.

The start of the "dark season" also marks the beginning of the peak season for brazen twilight burglars! The criminals often strike in the late afternoon or early evening. "They know that many people are not at home at this time," say experts.

Tilted windows, open doors, ...
This makes it all the more important to protect your home and ultimately your belongings. It is often made too easy for burglars: tilted windows or unlocked doors are often seen as an "invitation" by the perpetrators. However, it is not uncommon for locked windows and patio doors to be no real obstacle either. "Because simple locking systems do not offer sufficient burglary protection!"

Twilight burglars are now back in high season.

(Bild: APA/HERBERT PFARRHOFER, Symbolbild)

The police therefore recommend the use of burglar-resistant windows and doors - made of high-quality materials and fitted with security locks and/or additional security devices. Alarm systems are also a very effective means of deterring burglars. 

Crime prevention tips

• Always lock all doors and windows, even if you are away for a short time. Never leave them ajar. Don't forget cellar entrances and garage entrances.
• Avoid typical signs of absence: for example, empty the letterbox (or have it emptied), use motion detectors and timers.
• Maintain good contact with your neighbors. Mutual help is a deterrent.
• Burglar-resistant doors and windows and additional mechanical locks offer significantly more protection.
• Remove all items (boxes, chairs, ladders) that could help burglars.
• Avoid screens that could allow burglars to break in undisturbed.

• Indoor and outdoor lighting or TV simulators can be of great help.

• If you notice anything suspicious, contact the police immediately.

Targeting cash and valuables
The perpetrators are mainly after cash, jewelry or other valuables. It is therefore advisable to keep valuables in a safe and preferably not to have large amounts of cash at home.

Executive offers free advice
The police also offer help to keep burglars out of your own four walls. Advice - for example on security options - is free of charge and can be requested from any police station.