During the darker months of the year, the number of burglaries rises significantly again. Here are the most important tips for greater security and protection of your home.
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Tips & Tricks
Burglary protection: Safe through the winter
* This page has been translated via Google's Cloud Translation API. HOWOGE does not edit the content.
Keep the front door closed
Always keep the front door(s) closed, but not locked, so that the fire department has access. If a front door is broken, call technical customer service.
Lock the apartment door twice.
Apartment doors (and basement doors) should always be properly locked – even when leaving the apartment for a short time. Tip: Always double-lock.
Extra protection for balconies and patio doors
Portable locking bars or additional bolts that can be installed without drilling provide extra security for balcony or patio doors. While this type of barrier increases the obstacle for burglars, plant pots and furniture should also be positioned so that they cannot be used as climbing aids.
Close the windows and prevent views in.
A tilted window is like an open window to anyone looking for entry. Especially on lower floors, all windows should therefore always be properly closed – even when leaving the apartment briefly. It is also advisable to cover windows visible from the outside with curtains or blinds.
Use the intercom consciously
Use the intercom and do not let anyone into the building without permission – even if they claim to be delivering a package. If you are unsure, ask your neighbors for help. Important: HOWOGE always gives you advance notice when and if someone needs to enter your apartment (e.g., for smoke detector maintenance).
Simulate presence
For extended absences (such as vacations), timer-controlled sockets for lamps are ideal. These automatically switch the lights on and off, making it appear as if someone is home. Smart home sockets also allow you to set random switching times. Tip: Avoid publicly announcing your absence (e.g., on social media or by leaving notes on your door or mailbox).
Protect valuables
Valuables such as laptops or jewelry should not be left in plain sight in your apartment. When you are away, store important items securely or keep them in a safe place. Burglars usually only have a very short time and will grab anything that is lying around. Tip: Valuable items should also not be stored in the shared basement. Bicycles should be additionally secured with a good lock.
Let's be vigilant together
Criminals rarely strike spontaneously. They usually scout out the location beforehand. Therefore, observe the people in your house and yard. Approach anyone acting suspiciously in a friendly manner: "Can I help you?" This deters many perpetrators. Also, keep an eye on elderly people in the building. If possible, exchange phone numbers with your neighbors to warn and inform each other.
Recognize tricks and react appropriately
Only those who know the tricks of burglary gangs can react appropriately and inform the police and affected persons in the house. So be careful and keep an eye out...
Modern signs of burglary include a piece of plastic, paper, advertising material, or a toothpick wedged between the door and frame; a strip of clear tape over the lock; a thin thread across the door; or objects placed in front of the apartment door. If these signs are still there the next day, burglars know that no one is home. Thieves' cant (rare): scratched or painted symbols used by burglars to communicate with each other about the state of the house (see examples below).
There is nothing here
There is money here
Vicious dog!
Use police advice
The Berlin police offer free advice on burglary prevention at their burglary prevention advisory center .
In person , without an appointment, at the burglary prevention advice center:
Berlin Police
Burglary Prevention Advisory Center
Platz der Luftbrücke 5
12101 Berlin
Mon 10am to 6pm;
Tue to Thu 8am to 3pm
You can find out more about this topic here .
Proper insurance
Home contents insurance with burglary protection is often worthwhile. Also, make sure to save serial numbers or photos of valuable items – this will be helpful for the police and the insurance company in the event of a break-in.