THE GRAND-DUCAL POLICE PREVENTION ADVICE

BURGLARY

Burglary is a form of crime that anyone can be confronted with and which has a significant impact on the feeling of security of the victim in particular and of the population in general.

The National Crime Prevention Service (SNPC) of the Police is responsible for preventing burglaries. The members of this service are at your disposal to advise you free of charge on all aspects of behavioral, mechanical and electronic prevention.

Indeed, good mechanical security of the house, an alarm system as well as individual vigilance reduce the risk of a burglary.

By appointment, the SNPC comes to your home to detect vulnerable points in your home and to provide you with tailor-made advice.

Police Advice

Always close all doors and windows, including those in garages and cellars, when absent and do not leave keys on the locks.
Activate your alarm system, even during a short absence.
Light up your home at the end of the day.
Inform your neighbors if you will be away for a longer period.
Inform the Police when you go on vacation by registering for the free “Departure on vacation” service.
Report to the Police any suspicious person or car that may be spotted on your street or in your neighborhood.

Beware of burglaries in cellars and garages

In recent months, the Police have noted a sharp increase in the number of burglaries in cellars and common garages in Luxembourg.Consequently, these rooms must not be neglected and residents must be vigilant.In order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of such a burglary, we recommend that you follow the following advice:

Always lock access to cellars and private garages!
Do not keep any valuable items in garages and cellars!
Secure bikes separately!
Do not leave your garage door open for any longer than necessary and when closing the garage door, wait until it is completely closed before leaving.
Think before opening the main entrance door to the residence!
If you encounter people you don’t know and who seem suspicious to you in the area around your home, don’t hesitate to call them out and question their intentions.
Alert the police immediately (emergency call 113) in the event of suspicious sightings!

THE WEAK POINTS OF A HOME AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
A key left in the lock on the inside of the door.	Remove the key and keep it in a lockable key box.
An unsecured cellar door or window well.	A lock, additional padlocks or mechanical security provide additional protection.
Outdoor plants that completely block the view, providing ideal visual protection for burglars.	Make sure your outdoor space is neat and not too cluttered.
Ladders and tools left outside that could be used by a burglar to commit an offence.	Store the tool/ladder inside the house, in the garage or in a lockable shed.
An open or half-open window.	It’s a good idea to install outside lighting and timers or motion detectors.
Dark, inconspicuous areas around the house	It’s a good idea to install outside lighting and timers or motion detectors.
Garden furniture, rubbish bins or other objects located near a terrace, window or balcony that could make it easier for a potential burglar to climb in.	We advise you not to place furniture or other objects under or near a window, terrace or balcony. In winter, for example, it’s best to place them in a shed or garage.

HOLIDAYS IN COMPLETE SAFETY

In the event of a prolonged absence, the risk of a burglary increases: the blinds are closed, the trash cans remain empty, the mailbox is not emptied and the lights are always turned off. The home looks deserted and is therefore an easy target for burglars.In order to avoid unpleasant surprises after the holidays, the Police recommend certain preventive behaviors.Before going on vacation, always think about:

Close all your windows and doors securely. If your windows or sliding doors are equipped with a lock, do not leave the key in the lock.
Also lock the doors of your garages and cellars.
Activate your alarm system.
Inform your neighbors of your prolonged absence so that they are aware in case they notice anything suspicious.
Inform the Police when you go on vacation by registering for the free “Going on Vacation” service.

Other recommendations

Ask your post office to hold your postal items or have them transferred to another address.
Do not draw attention to your prolonged absence by announcing it on your telephone answering machine or in social networks.
Entrust your vacation address, your house key and, if applicable, the code for your alarm system to a trusted person.
Do not keep cash or valuables at home.

During the holidays, many people share their photos on social media. However, this information can be used by burglars. This is a clear indicator that your home is not occupied. If your address is also published in the profile or there are photos of the house, it is easy to find your house.

Police “Going on holiday” prevention service

When you go on holiday, inform the Police via the e-commissariat. Our agents will then include your home in their occasional prevention patrols as part of general surveillance of the territory, day or night. This service to citizens is free.

Photos and data taken from the Police Lëtzebuerg website. https://police.public.lu