The issue of domestic burglary keeps the police officers at the district police authority busy all year round. Visiting crime scenes, securing evidence, interviewing witnesses - the investigative work is time-consuming. Added to this is the damage to the victims of burglaries. It's not just the pure material damage - broken doors and windows, destroyed furnishings, stolen belongings - that is bad. The uneasy feeling that someone has broken into your home often lingers for a long time. The district police authority would therefore like to give tips on how to protect yourself against burglars.
Make access to the house as difficult as possible for the perpetrators
Burglars break into houses and apartments at any time of day. However, in more than 80 percent of cases, it happens during the day when the residents are at work, out shopping or even on vacation. In the fall and winter months, the perpetrators take advantage of the early darkness. The perpetrators want to avoid the residents as much as possible and are in a great hurry. They therefore break off if access to the building is too difficult or not possible. It is therefore quite effective and sensible to make it as difficult as possible for burglars to gain access to the house or apartment. If you follow a few tips, you can protect yourself better in the short term.
Our officers at the Crime Prevention and Burglary Prevention Department in Rheine are also happy to provide advice on the subject - free of charge and competently. Here you can find the contact persons.
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Lock your house and apartment door, even if you are only leaving for a short time
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Never leave the key on the inside of doors with glass panels.
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Always keep doors and windows in cellars and attics locked
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Lock windows, balcony and patio doors - even tilted windows are like open windows for thieves.
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Never leave your house or apartment key outside. Burglars know every hiding place!
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- Keep the front door of apartment buildings locked, even during the day. Check who wants to enter the house before you open it.
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If you lose your key, replace the locking cylinder immediately. Make your apartment or house appear occupied if you are away for a longer period of time. Have your mailbox emptied by neighbors or friends. Shutters should be lowered at night - and if possible not during the day. Leave lights on in the house from time to time using timers, for example. This suggests presence.
It is even better to protect your house or apartment from burglars using security technology. Mechanical security technology is the basis for solid burglary protection. There is also electronic burglary protection technology - keyword "smart home". Easy-to-reach windows and French doors, house and apartment entrance doors and cellar entrances are all points of attack for burglars. Have - tested and certified - security technology professionally installed by a company. The NRW State Office of Criminal Investigation maintains an address list of companies that install this security technology.
