7 tips on how to ruin the sweet Christmas time for the burglar

Christmas is a time for the heart, but unfortunately also a time for burglars. Many homes are left empty when the family goes on holiday, making them a haven for burglars. Which makes the sweet Christmas season a peak season for burglars. If you are going to celebrate Christmas outside, you should immediately start securing your home. To help you get started, KEYPARTNER's security experts have compiled their 7 best tips so that you can get through Christmas safely.

Don't let the burglar ruin your Christmas fun

While the family is gathered around Christmas dinner, the Christmas tree, and treats during the Christmas holidays, burglars take advantage of the fact that homes are often empty during this time of year. According to the National Police, 912 burglaries in private homes were reported between December 23 and 31 last year. This corresponds to 101 burglaries per day. Throughout 2018, a total of 28,675 burglaries were reported, corresponding to 78.5 burglaries per day. During the Christmas holidays, there are 22.5 additional burglaries per day. READ ALSO: Burglary protection for your home – keep thieves away with anti-theft devices

Securing before it's too late

Many Danes secure their homes too late – after there has been a burglary. Avoid securing your home too late, so you end up becoming part of the boring statistics. You should therefore start securing your home against long-fingered intruders now.

The locksmith's 7 best tips against burglary

Locksmiths can do much more than just remove old locks and install new ones. At KEYPARTNER, we are not only lock experts, but also professional security installers. That is why our security experts have compiled their 7 best tips for securing your home and keeping the peace this Christmas.

1. Two insurance-approved locks per door

With strong and secure locks on your doors, you reduce the risk of uninvited guests in your home. Optimal door security has two approved locks. Examine your doors and find out where new or additional locks are needed. It is recommended to change the lock if it is more than 10 years old. If you are in doubt about which locks to choose to ensure they are insurance approved, you can always contact a locksmith for guidance. You can choose to have a locksmith install the locks, or you can tackle a “do it yourself” project. However, it is important to have the locks installed correctly so as not to compromise on security.    

2. Get window locks installed

Did you know that 50% of all burglaries are committed through the window? That's why it's often not enough to just close the window to keep the thief out. KEYPARTNER recommends installing window locks on your windows to make the thief's job just a little more difficult. Examine your windows and consider whether it would be smart to install a lock on them. You can choose to have window locks installed by a professional locksmith or do it yourself. ABUS window locks and hasps are a popular choice, as the lock has a discreet design and is generally easy to use.    

 

3. Install exterior safety rails on outward-opening doors

In addition to the front door, it is important not to forget other doors in the home, such as a patio door. The thief will quickly find the entrance to the house that is least secured. If the patio door is not secured, it is an obvious entrance for the thief. To prevent the thief from getting a crowbar between the door and the frame, KEYPARTNER recommends that you install a security rail on the patio door.      

4. Home burglar alarm

Alarms have previously been shown to have a deterrent effect on burglars. An alarm sticker in the window can discourage burglars, sometimes before they have even broken in. Although alarms are not a guarantee against burglary, they do have a preventive effect. Burglar alarms put the thief under time pressure because they create noise and attention. In this way, they help to minimize the damage caused by a burglary.      

5. Become a member of Neighborhood Help

Neighborhood watch programs have a positive impact on crime in a neighborhood. They are therefore an inexpensive and effective way to secure your home. You can quickly and easily become a member by going to www.nabohjælp.dk, create a profile, and follow the instructions. You will then be sent stickers that you can put on your front door. Good neighborliness should not be underestimated as an effective tool for burglary prevention. According to Nabohjælp, good neighborliness can prevent one in five burglaries. And as an added bonus, residents experience greater security. If nothing else, you can simply ask your neighbors if they would keep an eye on your home while you are away. This can make it more difficult for thieves to assess whether the house is empty or not.  

 

6. Lock the garage and shed

Garages are often poorly secured against intruders, and contain a treasure trove of tools that burglars can use. Therefore, a good and simple tip is to put a lock on both the shed and the garage before you go on vacation and leave the thief's favorite weapons - the crowbar and screwdriver - free to use. Therefore, make sure that your garage or shed is locked with a solid lock or padlock.      

7. Outdoor lighting

Burglars want peace and quiet to do their work. That is why burglars are typically attracted to quiet, dark houses where they can work undisturbed. Lighting at the front door has a preventive effect against burglary. Burglars prefer to be able to stand and pry open the door in the dark. Outdoor lighting also makes it difficult for the thief to hide, and neighbors can more easily see that something is happening. For a few bucks, you can install outdoor lighting that turns on at specific times or via motion sensors. But don't leave the outdoor lighting on by itself. It's obvious that the house is empty when it's completely dark inside.

 

Learn how the thief thinks

KEYPARTNER offers a free security check of your home carried out by a professional security installer. Our installer will visit your home and assess the risks. This will give you a better understanding of how thieves think and what you can do to secure your home. Optimal burglary protection is tailored to your home, so it is preventive, creates a sense of security, and is a good investment. Contact KEYPARTNER to learn more.

Burglary protection by professional security installers

If you want to avoid becoming part of the sad Christmas burglary statistics, now is the time to start securing your home against thieves. KEYPARTNER's installers are happy to help you install security solutions tailored to your home. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need to secure your home. In addition, we are happy to share our experience and knowledge. If you have any questions about burglar-proof solutions, KEYPARTNER is ready for a no-obligation chat.

 Everything you need to know about burglary protection

How do thieves get in?

20% through broken windows, 10% through broken windows, 15% through patio doors, 7% through the front door, 6% through the basement door

When do most burglaries occur?

Holidays such as Christmas and New Year are peak season for burglars, as many homes are empty for a long time.

What can you do to prevent burglary?

1. Two insurance-approved locks per door 2. Have window locks installed 3. Install exterior security rails on exterior doors 4. Burglar alarm in the home 5. Become a member of neighborhood help 6. Lock the garage and shed 7. Outdoor lighting

What are the requirements for burglary protection insurance?

Special measures may be required. KEYPARTNER has all the requirements for locks, burglar alarms, etc. under control.