Police warning: Call the police when you see a piece of cardboard between the front door!

Jamming a piece of cardboard between the front door is a burglar’s trick

Many people fear coming home one day and realising they’ve been robbed. Therefore, we usually leave lights on when we’re gone for the evening. But how about when you’re on a holiday? The police recommend checking your front door on pieces of cardboard or other out of place items. If you find some, you should contact the authorities immediately!

It’s a burglar’s trick to see if you are home.

Check

The police warn people for this trick many burglars use. By jamming a piece of cardboard between the door and doorjamb, burglars try to find out whether the inhabitants of the house are home or not. After they’ve placed the cardboard in the door, the burglars will come back a couple of days later to check whether it’s been removed. If that’s the case, they know you have been home. If the cardboard is still there, they know you’ve been away from home and are most likely on holiday. Burglars also use twigs, leaves or coins to see whether someone is home. If the litter is still there after a while, a burglar knows it is safe to enter the house.

Always keep an eye out for suspicious things near your door

If you want to make sure no one will enter your home without permission, then follow these tips!

No bragging

Try to conceal your expensive items as much as possible. Don’t leave your expensive bike outside, but put it inside or in a shed. If you’ve recently bought an expensive electronic device like a television or laptop, make sure you recycle the cardboard box somewhere safe. Don’t leave it outside next to your bin, because smart burglars will know you own a shiny new toy. Store laptops, iPads, cellphones and jewellery away from windows, as it will be an invitation to burglars.

Spare key

Many people, especially those living in small villages and trusting neighbourhoods, leave a spare key outside their home. In, for example, a flower pot or on top of a door frame. Stop doing this! Burglars know all the common places for people to hide their keys and they will find it in no time. Give your key to a neighbour or friend who lives nearby in case of emergency.

Locks

Please, always lock your doors and close the windows! It sounds obvious, but forty percent of all break-ins happen without using any force because the burglars found an open window or unlocked door. Some locks can be picked easily, so if you’ve got a dead-bolt: use it!

Preparation

Going away on holiday? Make sure you prepare your house for being empty for an extended period of time. Ask a neighbour to take in your mail so it doesn’t pile up for burglars to see. Alert your neighbours (if you trust them) you will be gone so they can keep an eye on your house