When the clocks go back in autumn, there is a sudden rise in burglaries reported in Switzerland. The darker evenings provide welcome protection for thieves to break into empty houses and apartments without being seen. But there is a lot you can do to make things as difficult as possible for burglars. Our tips will help you better protect your home!
According to statistics, the risk of break-ins increases significantly in winter. The days are shorter and it often gets dark before people return home from work. Burglars use these darker evenings to carry out break-ins. Which is why it’s extremely important to thoroughly address the issue of break-in protection and know which measures you can take to protect your home.
Effective burglary protection is based on the three-pillar principle: personal behaviour, structural and mechanical security, and electronic devices.
Make sure doors and windows are locked when you are not at home. It is very easy for burglars to open windows that have been left ajar, which is why they should always be closed – even on upper floors. And never leave keys in a ‘safe place’ outside your home.
If you are away for an extended period, you should ask someone to regularly empty your letter box and maintain your garden. Timers that regularly turn your lights on and off can also help. If blinds are closed for a long period of time, this also indicates that no-one is at home. So we recommend asking someone to regularly open the blinds.
Last but not least, burglars also get information via social media. Publicly sharing your holiday snaps while you are away is a welcome invitation for burglars.
Nowadays, there are a number of ways you can improve your home security. Many alarm systems, motion sensors and surveillance cameras are now affordable, and it is worth seeking independent advice on these. You can also use smart home technology to provide even more protection. This allows you to operate your home’s lights, blinds and security systems via an app, thereby giving the impression that you are at home.
If you are afraid of being surprised by burglars while you sleep, you can also install electronic sensors on your windows and doors. These trigger an alarm as soon as the door or window is opened.
Mechanical safeguards make it harder for burglars to open doors and windows. These include reinforced dead locks and additional door locks that can be activated from the inside. Your windows should also be lockable or retrofitted with special locks.
There are various ways for burglars to gain access to your house or apartment. But if you are aware of its weak spots, you can ensure that these are eliminated or better protected. Detached houses are most frequently broken into via the patio or balcony doors, through the cellar door or via the window. Front doors, rear entrances and cellar doors that are easy to open can also provide access to the interior. In addition, you should always check whether incorrectly positioned garden furniture or waste bins may make it easier for burglars to reach the upper floor.
In the case of apartment buildings, burglars often break in via the main entrance door and inadequately secured individual apartment doors. So not only apartments on the ground and first floors are at risk, but those on every floor. On the top floor, in particular, burglars can take their time opening apartment doors, because the risk of someone coming up the stairs is small.
Our Engel & Völkers property experts will be happy to provide advice if you have any other break-in protection questions. Enjoy the autumn and winter without worrying about your belongings. You owe it to yourself!
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