Securing Your Living Space: Essential Safety Measures
As summer vacation season approaches, many homeowners are eager to enjoy their time off while ensuring their homes are secure. The German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the GDV (German Insurance Association) offer expert-backed tips to help you protect your property, reducing the risk of burglary and providing peace of mind.
**1. Control Lighting Remotely**
Using smart lighting technology or timers for your indoor and outdoor lights can create the impression that someone is home, deterring potential burglars. Smart outlets and timers, which can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, offer flexibility and security. Smart blinds, which can be scheduled or controlled remotely, add to the illusion of an occupied home.
**2. Manage Your Mail and Deliveries**
A buildup of mail or packages is a clear sign that no one is home, which can attract thieves. To avoid this, arrange for your mail and deliveries to be paused or held at the post office or by a trusted neighbour/friend during your absence. Alternatively, ask someone to collect your mail regularly to maintain the appearance of an active household.
**3. Avoid Posting Travel Plans on Social Media**
Sharing travel plans or live updates on social media while you are away can signal to potential burglars that your home is vacant. To reduce the risk, disable location tagging on posts and ensure your social media accounts are set to private. Share your holiday photos after you return home.
**4. Store Valuable Items Safely**
Burglars often target master bedrooms looking for valuables, so store jewelry, cash, important documents, and electronics in a secure safe. If you do not have a safe, consider temporarily leaving valuables with a trusted friend or relative. Take photos and note serial numbers of valuable items to assist police and insurance companies in case of theft. Also, move valuable electronics out of sight from windows to avoid tempting burglars.
**Additional Tips**
- Install a doorbell or peephole camera that sends motion alerts and allows you to communicate with visitors remotely. - Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. - Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances before leaving to prevent fire risks and save energy. - Keep patios and balconies tidy; avoid clutter that signals vacancy. - Consider professional home security camera systems with live monitoring for real-time alerts and greater peace of mind.
By following these combined strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and protect your home while enjoying your vacation. Nearly half of all break-ins fail due to the perpetrators being unable to gain entry. An overflowing mailbox can signal to burglars that no one has been home for a while. During vacation season, it's advisable to keep valuable items out of sight and store them securely. During the vacation season, many people find it difficult to relax until they know their home is secure. Arranging for someone to collect mail before leaving on vacation is a recommended precaution.
In 2024, approximately 90,000 break-ins were reported to insurers in Germany, with the average damage per burglary being approximately €3,800, according to the GDV. Some electronic blinds can be programmed to open and close automatically at certain times. Controlling your lighting remotely while on vacation can also help deter potential burglars. Expensive alarm systems are not the only means to secure one's home while on vacation. Taking a few simple steps can provide peace of mind while on vacation, without the need for an expensive alarm system. Outdoor lighting with motion sensors can make a property less attractive to burglars, and burglars often target expensive technology such as smartphones, cameras, or computers.
- Implement a community policy that encourages neighbors to watch out for one another's homes and report any suspicious activities, helping to maintain a safe and secure neighborhood.
- Apply lifestyle adjustments for a more eco-friendly home-and-garden, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and plants, and adopting water-saving techniques, promoting a sustainable lifestyle while at home or on vacation.
