Health
Prevention
A burglary is never harmless. Aside from material losses, it often leaves you feeling unsafe and violated. However, with a few simple actions and the right equipment, it is possible to significantly reduce the risks. This guide helps you to understand the issues related to theft, to get into good habits and to know how to react in the event of an intrusion. LALUX can help you to secure your home and maintain your peace of mind.
Understanding the risks of burglary in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a safe country, but it is not free from burglary. According to a STATEC study,12 % of the resident population has been victim of a burglary or an attempted burglary in the last five years. In two thirds of these cases, the target was the home itself, and detached houses are most affected.
Burglars primarily target homes that are unoccupied, with easy access and valuable items. Jewellery, IT equipment, watches, cash or personal documents are often taken. Some of these goods are of irreplaceable sentimental value, whereas others contain sensitive data. In all cases, the consequences far exceed material losses.
What to do PRIOR TO a burglary? Good habits to get into
Delay, deter, protect
The fundamental principle of prevention is simple: the longer it takes a burglar to gain entry, the greater the chance that they will change their mind.
- Secure the entry points: a reinforced door with a multipoint lock, windows with anti-intrusion glass, solid shutters or bars on accessible openings are effective barriers. And don't forget about secondary entry points such as the garage, cellar or balcony.
- Simulate occupancy: timers for lighting, automated shutters or presence simulators can be enough to sow doubt. Avoid alerting people to your absence on social networks or your answerphone.
- Use technology: alarm systems, security cameras, smart lighting or movement sensors are all very effective nowadays. They allow you to monitor your home remotely and to receive alerts in real time in the event of an intrusion.
- Keep valuable objects hidden: avoid leaving jewellery, watches or electronic devices visible from the outside. A safe that is well-hidden within your home is a simple and effective solution for protecting your most precious items. For extremely high-value items consider using a bank safe deposit box.
- Check your insurance contract: ensure that your home insurance indeed includes a theft guarantee. At LALUX, this guarantee covers damage caused to furniture and the building in the event of a theft or attempted theft whether this involves forcible entry, unlawful entry (without force), assault or deception. It also covers any damage caused to the building during these incidents.
- Keep invoices, photos or certificates of authenticity for your precious items: this will facilitate your compensation claim in the event of an incident. To simplify this procedure you may find the “Police Luxembourg” mobile app useful for centralising these documents and sending them to the police quickly.
In the event of a prolonged absence: bear in mind the “#secherVakanz” (Holiday safety) service.
The Grand Ducal Police offers a free surveillance service for your home during your holidays. By subscribing to the “Going on holiday” (Départ en vacances) service via the e-police station, your residence will be included in the preventative patrols, during daytime and night. An excellent way to maintain peace of mind while you’re away.
Also consider telling a trusted neighbour: they can pick up your post, water your flowers and discretely keep an eye on your home. An overflowing letter box or permanently closed blinds can actually attract the attention of burglars.
What to do DURING a burglary?
If you are outside and you notice signs of a break-in upon your return, do not enter the home. Alert the police immediately and await their arrival.
If you are at home when the burglary occurs, or if you witness a break-in in progress, do not take any risks. Do not attempt to confront the intruder or to intervene on your own: your safety comes first! Get to a safe place and call the emergency services discretely (113). If possible, observe without being seen and make a note of any useful details (number of people, clothing, direction of their escape, etc.)
Good to know:
The Grand Ducal Police's free mobile app allows you, for example, to request help directly and quickly through the “Chat” function which means you can send text messages to 113, if you are unable to speak on the phone.
What to do AFTER a burglary?
Don't touch anything until the police have been to the premises. Once the property has been secured, the police will document traces and elements of the burglary. Take the following steps to limit the consequences of the incident and to make it easier to receive compensation:
- Report it to the police: you can make a theft report with a police officer on the spot, or through the e-police station known as “e-commissariat de la police” (via MyGuichet). Your insurer will ask you for a copy of the report.
- Contact your LALUX agent: report the incident as soon as possible. Your agent will help you with the steps to follow.
- Remember to block transactions: if any payment methods or sensitive personal documents have been stolen, contact your bank as well as the relevant organisations to avoid any fraudulent use. Most Luxembourg banks let you put a temporary or permanent block on lost or stolen bank cards directly through their mobile app.
- Repair any access pointsthat were forced open: take photos of the damage sustained and contact an approved service provider for a quick and reliable repair.
Common errors to avoid if you want to protect your home better
- Leaving a key under the mat: this is the first hiding place a burglar checks.
- Forgetting to lock up your house before leaving: take care to lock the doors and windows to your home.
- Not putting away push-bikes and e-bikes: use safety locks or fix them to an anchor point, especially in cellars and communal garages.
- Publishing your holiday on Instagram: an empty house becomes an easy target.
- Not activating the alarm: an inactive system will not deter anyone.
Security advice for your home based on your profile
- Are you a tenant?
Activate all the safety devices available to you (shutters, alarms, locks) and inform your landlord of any problem. - Are you the owner occupant?
Invest in sustainable equipment and consider inventorying your valuable items to facilitate the steps to take if an incident occurs. - Are you the owner landlord?
Offer your tenants a secure home and encourage them to adopt good preventative habits.
Find your ideal insurance package according to your situation
At LALUX, we know that every situation is unique. That’s why our easyPROTECT Home insurance solution can be adapted to any profile.
Choose the best home insurance for your property
Discover all of our home insurance formulas and find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Good to know:
Do you have precious jewellery, works of art or other luxury accessories?
Protect them effectively against theft and damage with our optional Valuable items pack.
The main things to remember to prevent theft at your home
Preventing theft is based on a combination of vigilance, the right equipment and adequate insurance. By adopting good habits and relying on LALUX’s expertise, you can effectively protect your home, your items and your peace of mind. Don't wait for an incident to happen before you act: the security of your home starts today.
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