"It's not an experience I would have expected in Luxembourg"

A Beggen resident recounts to RTL Today her experience of being the victim of a terrifying break-in at her home, alongside what she's learned and how to help prevent being targeted in the long- and short-term.

During the Christmas holidays Katia*, her husband and their two children left their home in Beggen, excited to return home to visit family.

Three days before they were due to arrive back to Luxembourg, they were contacted by a vigilant neighbour in their apartment block with some bone-chilling news.

The neighbour had noticed in passing that the side of their front door had been damaged. It appeared that there may have been a break-in attempt at their apartment, they were warned.

On their return home, they were hoping against hope that it was in fact just an attempt and not an actual break-in at their property.

Katia said they quickly realised while walking towards their front door that their apartment had indeed been targeted.

Thanks to the alert from their neighbour, Katia said they were somewhat prepared but were left astounded as they opened their door and immediately spotted their belongings strewn across the hall floor.

Calling the police immediately, Katia said the family waited outside the apartment until the patrol car came. The police then entered the apartment first to ensure there wasn't anyone inside.

"We knew immediately that someone had been there. We opened our door and straight away saw a big mess," Katia recalled. "There was underwear on the floor in the hall. The bedroom was ransacked and everything was on the bed. They had gone through all our belongings."

The items that were stolen included an expensive 'Kitchen Aid' robot, gold and silver jewellery and a quantity of cash in various currencies.

What was even more difficult about the theft is that an irreplaceable item was also snatched in the raid - a 30-year-old necklace given to Katia by her deceased grandmother.

Katia said the family, including her young children, are coping well despite the traumatic experience.

"The first week after it happened was the hardest as we were cleaning and washing everything. It took us two or three days to realise what was missing."

This was the first time the couple, who Katia said have always been very security conscious, have been broken into.

"It's not an experience I would have expected in Luxembourg."

Despite double locks & nearby neighbours

Despite their front door being double locked, the intruders were still able to gain entry by prising open the door, without causing that much damage.

The couple said that other neighbours in the building were also targeted in what appears to have been a burglary spree. She also heard since their ordeal that other homes in the wider neighbourhood were also the focus of burglaries at the time.

The surveillance techniques employed by opportunistic criminals are extremely crafty and Katia shared what she has been told in the aftermath of her experience.

"If they think there is no one at home they will roll up a mat outside the door and wait to see if it is moved. If not, they know the property is probably vacant. Also, they use invisible glue on the front door and if they see the seal has been left unbroken again, they know there's no one home. Another thing I heard was that they put a fine thread across the entrance of your door and if it is still there after a few days they know the home is empty."

Even though fingerprints were taken at the scene, Katia is not hopeful that the criminals will ever be tracked down nor their property returned.

"We think that the building was being watched. There were also other attempts in the neighbourhood at that time.”

Katia said that following the disturbing episode she would advise people not to leave valuables at home as despite thinking you might have a good hiding place, they know where to look, she warns.

Burglary prevention

Luxembourg Police, when contacted by RTL Today about how best householders can prevent break-ins, offered comprehensive advice.

"In general, good mechanical security on the house, an alarm system and personal vigilance all reduce the risk of being burgled."

Furthermore, they remind householders to ensure to do the following if you are stepping out: “Always close all doors and windows, including in the garage and basement. Do not leave keys in locks. Activate your alarm system, even for short absences. Switch on lights in your home as night approaches. Tell your neighbours if you are going away for a longer period.

Inform the Police when you go on holiday by registering with the free "Going on holiday" service. Inform the Police about any suspicious individuals or cars that might be observing your street or neighbourhood.”

Holiday Safety 

To avoid coming home to a nasty surprise after your holiday, the Police recommend certain preventative measures.

Before you go on holiday, remember to: "Close your windows and doors securely. If your windows or sliding doors are fitted with locks, do not leave the key in the lock. Lock your garage and basement doors too. Activate your alarm system. Tell your neighbours that you will be away for a long period so they are aware if they notice anything suspicious. Ask your post office to keep hold of your post, or have it redirected to another address. Do not draw attention to the fact that you are going away for a long period by mentioning it on your answerphone. Pass on your holiday address, the key to your house and, if necessary, the code for your alarm system to someone you trust."

The Police also urge people not to keep cash and valuables at home.

"Many people share their photos on social media while on holiday. However, burglars can take advantage of this information. It is a clear indication that your home is unoccupied. Also, if your address features in your profile or there are photos of the house, it is easy to find out where it is."

"In general, burglars try to avoid encounters with residents. Therefore, they will often ring the doorbell before breaking in to make sure the occupants are not at home. Installing a doorbell with a built-in camera and app can help or even deter burglars."

Sticky threads

Recently, the Police warned the public to look out for sticky threads on doors, as these can be linked to burglaries. This is also a method used by burglars to check whether residents are at home.

A warning to this effect can be found on the website: https://police.public.lu/fr/actualites/2023/12/51/prevention-cambriolages.html

On returning from holidays, if you believe you may have been broken into the Police strongly advise to call 113 immediately.

"Do not enter the house/ apartment under any circumstances, as the perpetrator(s) may still be on site and, above all, in order not to cover up any traces."

*name has been changed to protect anonymity.