Every summer, thousands of French people hit the road, eager to enjoy their holidays. Meanwhile, burglars are on the lookout. A simple habit can turn your absence into an opportunity for them. This often-overlooked detail becomes the first thing they notice. Think you’ve taken all precautions? Think again.
A seemingly innocuous reflex could change everything. Imagine coming home to find everything gone. Before you close the door, take two minutes to read this. This advice could save you a lot of trouble.
What Burglars Notice First
When a house is empty during the holidays, burglars notice quickly. They look for simple signs. A full mailbox, an unkept garden, or closed shutters for too long attract their attention.
But there’s an even easier detail to spot: keys left in the mailbox. This is a habit many people have without considering the danger. For burglars, it’s like handing them the key personally.
They don’t even need to force the door. Often, they leave no traces behind. That’s why this small action is the first clue burglars look for.
The Mistake You Make Without Thinking
Before leaving, we often want everything to be simple. So, we leave the keys in an “easy” place, like the mailbox. Sometimes it’s for a friend, a neighbor, or a tenant. But this choice can be very costly.
A mailbox is not a safe place. Burglars know exactly where to look. And if they get in with your keys, your insurance may not cover the loss.
Why? Because there was no forced entry, thus no proof of theft. This action, meant to be helpful, can actually complicate matters. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider where you leave your keys.
Simple Solutions to Secure Your Home
There are easy ways to make your house safer before going on vacation. You don’t need cameras everywhere; common sense often suffices. You can entrust your keys to a trusted friend or neighbor. There are also sturdy key boxes with a code.
This is better than hiding them. Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed. Maintain the garden to avoid signaling that the house is empty. And especially, refrain from announcing your trip on the internet. Burglars monitor social media too. By being attentive to these small details, your home will be better protected.
Before Leaving for Vacation: Good Practices
Before you leave for vacation, take a moment to prepare your home properly. It’s vital for peace of mind. A good idea is to notify the police. There’s a program called “Holiday Tranquility.”
They can patrol near your home during your time off. It’s free and very beneficial. Also, try to avoid talking about your vacation to everyone. The fewer people know, the better.
And one last thing: don’t leave valuables in sight. Even something simple, like a computer on the table, can attract attention. By being a bit cautious, you can truly avoid unpleasant surprises.
