Do you intend to be away from your home for a few days? Here are some tips that might be useful to you to avoid any problems.

Absence means an empty home and thus opportunities for people with bad intentions to break in! To avoid any such unpleasant experience, follow this guide:

Rely on a trusted neighbor

If you know a trustworthy neighbor, this is the time to call on them. Having your shutters closed all day or your mailbox full of mail are all signs of a prolonged absence, and thus an invitation to malicious individuals.

To limit the impression that you are away, don’t hesitate to ask this person to pick up your mail and/or open your home’s shutters to make it seem like you are back.

Use technology and home automation

If you are well-equipped in terms of home automation, you can interact remotely and/or live at any time of the day. You can thus open the shutters, turn on the lights or the television to "create" a presence. This interaction will put doubt in the minds of burglars and will dissuade them from entering your home. If you do not have such equipment, you can install a movement detector with lighting in order to scare off burglars.

Installing an alarm and/or video surveillance

To limit any potential burglary, you have the option of installing an "alarm style" or "camera style" security system that aim to reduce the risk of a break-in. There is one for every budget.

Insurance to cover against theft

Don’t forget to check if your home insurance covers theft, and make sure that all inside access is properly closed at the time of your departure. Insurers require minimal security conditions, such as well-closed doors and windows.

Informing the police

In many countries such as Luxembourg, France and Belgium, the police can offer to look after your home during your absence. All you have to do is fill out a form on the Internet or on paper, and send it to the nearest police station. Offers will then conduct patrols, both during the day and at night.