As with every summer, the Luxembourg police are reminding residents that holidays are peak season for break-ins, but a few simple steps can significantly reduce your risk.

The police have reiterated key preventative measures, especially as certain tricks used by burglars are once again being observed. One tactic involves placing a small thread or blob of glue on doors to check if they’ve been opened over several days. If the marker remains untouched, it signals that the home may be unoccupied and becomes a target. This method, explained Tim Pauly from the Police Prevention Unit, is particularly common in apartment buildings.

He stressed that both the door to your individual flat and the main entrance to your building should always be locked securely. The same applies to house doors.

Pauly advised informing your neighbours when going on holiday and not skimping on a proper alarm system. His unit even offers home consultations to advise residents on appropriate security measures.

According to him, a professionally installed alarm system typically costs between €2,500 and €5,000, and it's important to choose one that works reliably, otherwise people tend to switch it off due to frequent false alarms.

Another important point: your home should always look occupied. For example, don’t close all the shutters systematically. Instead, use lights with timers or app-controlled lighting to simulate presence. Neighbours can also help by adjusting shutters, clearing postboxes, or putting out the rubbish bins to maintain the illusion that someone is home.

Informing police

Daytime burglaries are increasingly common, Pauly warned. Burglars often strike during the day when most people are at work or school, and during holidays, when homes are empty, this remains a prime opportunity, he explained.

Pauly noted that burglars will often ring the doorbell first to check if anyone’s home. If there's no answer and the house appears empty, they're more likely to attempt entry, he said.

To strengthen security, residents can also register their absence on the police website via the Going on holiday section. Local patrols will then include the address in their rounds.

The public is also encouraged to report anything suspicious by calling 113, even if that includes sharing photos or videos of suspicious individuals.

Pauly emphasised that it's far better to send such material directly to the police than to share it on social media, as the police can then conduct an investigation.

Car theft on the rise

Finally, Pauly drew attention to a recent rise in thefts from cars across the country. He described a trend involving so-called "handle checkers", individuals trying car doors and, when successful, taking valuables or wallets left inside. His advice is simple: always lock your vehicle, double-check that it's secured, and never leave valuables in plain sight.

Police recommend to stay up to date on burglary prevention and protection against online scams, which also seem to be on the rise.

Full interview in Luxembourgish available below: