Ask your family and friends to remove the most noticeable signs of absence. For example: emptying the letterbox, opening and closing the roller shutters regularly and mowing the lawn when you are absent for a longer period of time. In addition, you can use a timer to light up certain rooms at random moments. It is best to put your best holiday photos on social media after your trip.

The I3 label

According to police data, 85% of thieves stop their burglary attempt if they do not get in after three minutes. The I3 label is awarded to façade elements such as windows, doors and locks that have a good burglar resistance. The I3 label guarantees a three-minute resistance. Enough to discourage thieves in their attempt. You can choose between perimetric security where the doors and/or windows have detectors or volumetric security where every movement in a room is detected.

Burglars are surprised by the system with a siren that goes off both inside and outside. An external signal can also be sent to a central monitoring station.

The INCERT label

All alarm systems must meet certain legal criteria.

Alarm systems with the INCERT label have even stricter regulations than the legal standards. An alarm system must be reported to the chief of the local police within five days. A maintenance contract with a security company is also a necessity.

Shut your work shed properly, material such as a ladder or hammer is a great gift for burglars. Make sure that valuables are not in obvious places, better spread valuables in different places. That way there is no jackpot for thieves.  For extra valuables, a safe is a good consideration.

In the event of theft, you must be able to prove that there has been a burglary. Simply stating that certain items have been stolen is not enough. You have to be able to prove that the stolen objects actually belong to you. You also have to state the value of those items on the day of the theft.

It is advisable to keep a list of your valuables. State the brand, type, date of purchase, value.

Also a folder with purchase invoices, certificates of guarantee, authenticity photos, a notarial deed with the inventory of inherited objects... It saves a lot of stress and hassle during the declaration.

Notify your insurance broker as soon as possible. Give them the receipt of the police report. Send them a list of the stolen objects, an estimate of their value. If there is damage to your home, such as a cracked lock, also submit a description and proof of the costs. Also take measures to avoid a second burglary. Keep all supporting documents!

The doormat, flower pot, and other obvious places are obviously not good places to keep your keys. So keep them in a place in the house -where visitors cannot see them. For example, if you are self-employed and have a home practice and therefore many different people come into your home.

Do not leave open any fences & gates along which thieves may enter your property. Lock them with a strong padlock.

Source: BeSafe & Insurance Brokers