Don't make it too easy for them. Prevent home break-ins while you're on vacation!
The vacation season is coming up again! We’ll all be heading out in droves. The trip and accommodations are all set, but have you also thought about making sure your home is in good shape before you leave?
In this article, you'll find tips on what you can do to better secure your home when you go on vacation.
Burglars aren’t as selective as people sometimes think. There’s something to steal in every home, and they mainly look at how easily they can get inside. Ninety percent of burglaries are committed by opportunistic burglars who strike when the chance arises. The type of home and the time of day don’t matter to these criminals.
Take steps to prevent home burglaries
You can take steps on your own to better secure your home against burglary and make it much harder for criminals to break in. For example:
- Use locks and hardware approved by the “Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen” (PKVW) program. www.politiekeurmerk.nl.
- Close the windows and lock the doors; don't forget to lock your garden gate and the shed as well.
- Make arrangements with your neighbors regarding your absence. Download our postcard here, fill it out, and let them know what you'd like them to do for you. A handy reminder!
More tips?
You can find more tips and advice on the website www.maakhetzeniettemakkelijk.nl or the site www.politie.nl.
Suspicious situation
But even if you’re staying home, stay alert. Do you see or hear anything unusual? Like an unfamiliar car? Or someone keeping watch? Don’t hesitate—call the police right away. In an emergency or if you catch someone in the act, call 112; otherwise, call 0900-8844. Because 112—that’s how you catch criminals!
Neighborhood watch groups are active in many neighborhoods in our municipality. For more information about neighborhood watch, visit www.geldrop-mierlo.nl/buurtpreventie or the website www.wabp.nl to find the contact person in your neighborhood and sign up!