Luxembourg police recently held a public information session, offering residents practical advice on how to secure their homes and deter potential burglars.
The session highlighted the opportunistic nature of burglars, describing them as “flexible, available 24/7, and not afraid of doing overtime.” To combat this threat, the police’s Crime Prevention Service regularly partners with municipalities to educate the public. One such event took place in Ospern on Monday, drawing a significant crowd eager for guidance.
Officers outlined both fundamental and advanced security measures. While basics like fully locking doors and windows and using timed lights are essential, the police encourage residents to seek a more thorough, personalised assessment. Tim Pauly of the National Crime Prevention Service explained that homeowners can schedule free consultations with officers, who will inspect the property to identify vulnerabilities.
These home visits often reveal common weaknesses, particularly at the rear of houses. “Often, windows or doors at the back of the house need to be strengthened in some way,” Pauly stated. In some cases, the recommendation is to install a comprehensive alarm system to secure all potential entry points. According to Pauly, about two-thirds of these appointments are made proactively by residents seeking preventative advice after attending events or seeing related media reports.
However, implementing such security measures comes with significant cost and logistical challenges. A comprehensive alarm system for a single-family home, for instance, can easily cost between €5,000 and €6,000. The situation is different in apartment buildings, where collective security is paramount. Pauly pointed out that if just one of ten residents neglects to lock the main entrance, it becomes the building’s primary vulnerability. Burglars often exploit this by ringing multiple doorbells, banking on at least one occupant opening the door without verification.
For blocks of flats, Pauly recommended installing self-locking entrance doors with magnetic contacts, which ensure the door is automatically secured after use.
He also advised residents to be vigilant when entering communal garages, ensuring no one follows them inside unnoticed, and warned against the false assumption that burglars avoid higher floors.
Attendees at Monday’s event generally found the advice practical and actionable, with many leaving with specific home improvements in mind.
While the police stressed that absolute security is impossible, they emphasised that proactive measures can significantly deter criminal activity.
Residents interested in a personalised assessment can request a free, 30–45-minute security consultation with the Crime Prevention Service, for instance by emailing prevention@police.etat.lu.
