Secure your home: Police warn of break-ins in Hamburg!

Secure your home: Police warn of break-ins in Hamburg!

Hamburg (ots)

In October it's that time again - the clocks are changed to winter time and with that the dark season begins. An increase in burglaries is often noted during this time, and the Hamburg Police Department draws attention to the importance of making your home safe. Especially with the upcoming fall holidays when many people leave the house for long periods of time, it is advisable to prepare for potential burglars.

A burglary is not just a material loss for those affected. The invasion of privacy and the associated feeling of security are often the worst consequences. To minimize the risk of break-ins, the police provide some helpful advice.

Important safety tips

A key piece of advice is to always lock your front door thoroughly, even if you are only leaving the house for a short time. “Simply closing it is not enough,” emphasize the security experts. Windows and balcony or patio doors should also be securely closed. Many people think that tilted windows are sufficient - but this is a fallacy.

It is also advised not to hide spare keys outside the home. Many burglars have a trained eye and can quickly find such hiding places. In the event of a key loss, the door lock cylinder should be changed immediately, especially if the lost key was stolen along with personal information such as an ID card.

Another preventive measure is to watch out for suspicious people in the neighborhood. If you notice anything unusual, you should immediately inform the police on the emergency number 110. It is also wise not to give any indication of your absence, whether via social networks or an answering machine. Posting notes on doors saying you will be back soon should also be avoided.

The police are also taking active action against the latest scam by burglars. Cases were reported in Hamburg in which perpetrators attached so-called adhesive threads to doors in order to use them as a sign that residents were away.

Advice and support

Since the beginning of the year, Hamburg residents have had an easy way to get advice on security issues. The local police station offers tips on mechanically securing windows and doors. For more complex issues, such as electronic security systems, the police can put you in direct contact with the State Criminal Police Office.

There is also a criminal police advice center in Hamburg that offers free and neutral advice on the subject of burglary protection. This is located in Police Station 14 in Caffamacherzeile 4. Anyone interested can contact the advice center by email at Krimiberatung@polizei.hamburg.de or by telephone at 040/4286-70777.

The police also point out the website www.k-einbruch.de, where further information on recommended standards and manufacturers of tested products can be found.

On the nationwide Burglary Protection Day, which takes place on October 27, 2024, those interested can find out more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the motto “One hour more for your security”.

Burglaries can be prevented with a certain degree of caution. Anyone who is an attentive neighbor or resident and acts promptly with the police can protect their own home and that of their neighbors. Of course, it remains important to act immediately if you see anything suspicious and to have initial safety tips at hand.

Further information about safety in your own home can also be obtained by calling 040/4286-56789 to contact the Hamburg police. Every clue counts!