Below are some tips from the Eindhoven police for keeping your home safe:
Make your home look lived in
- Ask neighbors to sometimes park their car in your driveway or in front of your house.
- Ask your neighbors if they can open and close your curtains or blinds once in a while.
- Use a timer switch for your lighting to give the impression that there is someone in the house.
- Ensure your mail is collected.
- Do not leave full garbage bags outside your house.
Don’t let everyone know that you are on holiday
- Only inform a limited number of family members and friends about your travel plans.
- Do not announce your vacation on social media. Restrict personal posts to trusted contacts.
- Do not pack your caravan or car in full view of your home.
- Do not pack your suitcases in front of your house. That will make it very obvious that you will be away for a while.
- Do not put your address on your luggage tag when traveling by plane. Burglars monitor departure halls and strike when you are away.
- Never leave a note on the door saying, 'I am away'.
Ensure everything is properly locked
- Always lock all windows and doors.
- Keep valuable items out of sight.
- Always lock your bicycle/moped, even if it is stored indoors.
- Do not hide your keys outside; under the doormat or in a flowerpot is not a secret place.
These tips were provided by Eindhoven police department.