LiviosDid you know that almost 100 home burglaries take place every day inBelgium? However, there are four types of measures that you can take tominimize the risk of burglary. Leaving the light on is one, but it’s certainlynot the only (or best) way. You will also see the effect of this on yourenergy bill. Do you really want to outsmart gangsters? Then capitalize ontheir weaknesses. Construction site Livios explains which these are.
Change your behavior
Have you ever been distracted? Negligent behavior increases the risk of abreak-in. If you sometimes leave a window open or forget to close a gate, youobviously run a greater risk. Therefore, try to take the necessaryorganizational measures. In other words, change your behavior. Apart from someextra effort, it costs you next to nothing.
How do you get started on that? By closing everything properly and not puttingvaluable items in plain sight. Do you want to keep your key under the doormat?Predictable and cliché. Not that cliches are necessarily a bad thing: leavinga light on or turning on the TV when you’re not at home are easy ways to deterburglars. However, with the high energy prices, it can cost you a lot ofmoney.
Also, do not leave tools, such as stepladders, lying around in your garden.Then you might as well send the burglars an invitation. If you want to provideextra security for your home, you can invest in an alarm system.
Calculated : That’s how much an alarm system costs.
Work with your neighbors
Social measures are perhaps the most efficient you can take. If you know yourneighbors a little, a form of social control automatically sets in. Nowadaysyou can strengthen that control by setting up a Whatsapp group together. Youhave probably come across the corresponding warning signs on the street.
Also useful: know your neighborhood and all its shortcuts. Do you notice anysuspicious activity? Then immediately inform the local police. You can alsoask them for free supervision during leave periods. The police will then keepan eye on you while you enjoy your holiday carefree.
Reading tip : Your garage is often a weak link in the security of yourhome. This way you ensure optimal protection.
Use quality materials
The quality of your materials makes a big difference. Burglary-resistant glassand windows and doors with at least resistance class 2 are therefore not anunnecessary luxury. With security locks, fixed doorknobs and fencing aroundyour house, you make it extra difficult for burglars. Budget tip: Installoverhead locks for extra security.
In addition, you can contact a theft prevention consultant for security tipsfor the design of a new building as well as for an existing home. Yourarchitect and contractor will also advise you on the use of safe materials andtechniques.
Thanks to modern technology, having a camera system in your home is morefeasible than ever. © Getty Images
Install technical gadgets
Want to catch burglars in the act? Then electronic aids are a good option.Just think of integrated alarm systems and security cameras. Ever heard ofmagnetic contacts? These are ideal if you have cats that are constantly in andout.
A disadvantage of these systems is that you have to maintain them properly.Only then do they work optimally. Attention: if you install a camera, you arelegally obliged to indicate this visibly on your facade. But with a bit ofluck you can deter most burglars.