Together, we'll combat burglaries committed in autumn and winter after nightfall!
Analysis of last years' burglaries has shown that most burglaries are committed during autumn and winter months. For that reason, in recent years the police took numerous measures that focussed on how to get to grips with this phenomenon and managed to reduce the number of burglaries greatly. This know-how will now serve as the basis for the measures to be taken in 2016/2017.
Burglary at nightfall and the offenders' modus operandi
These burglars strike between November and January, in particular between 16:00 and 21:00 hrs, depending on when dusk falls. In most cases, they break into flats and houses that have good access to main routes and offer a good chance of making a quick escape. Residential areas with highly secluded premises and flats at ground-level are also targeted. Most commonly, the burglars attempt to gain access to homes by forcing open terrace doors and garden-facing windows, doors or cellar accesses. To achieve this, they use very simple methods and break open poorly secured doors or windows by means of screwdrivers or pliers. Once they have managed to gain access to the home, they go for easily saleable goods. That's why it is advisable to keep jewellery, cash and valuable objects in a safe or, preferably, avoid having large amounts of cash at home.
The police are prepared
The police prevent this phenomenon and respond in a target-oriented manner. A combination of analysis methods as well as swift search and investigative measures have been adopted and police patrols focus on hotspots. This year again, special attention will be paid to prevention and contact with the general public, because it is easy to deter burglars with simple security measures. This is confirmed by the Police's Crime Statistics: In 2015 more than 40 per cent of all residential burglaries in Austria failed. Fortunately, this high percentage has to do with the fact that residents protects themselves very well and take appropriate preventive measures.
Good neighbouring relationships and mutual help are enormously important in this respect. A trusted person who will keep an eye on your property during your absence, clears the letter box and removes advertising material from the doorstep serves a valuable purpose. However, the police also want to encourage people to call them when they notice suspicious activity. No one should shy away from contacting the next police station or dialling 133 in an emergency.
Tips from the Crime Prevention Unit
- Good neighbouring relationships and mutual help are very important! Neighbourliness deters criminals!
- Avoid signs of absence! Have someone clear your letter box and remove advertising material. Make sure your home does not present itself as unoccupied. The neighbours' commitment is very important in this respect.
- Close windows, terrace and balcony doors.
- Avoid visual cover that would allow burglars to carry out their work undisturbed. Keep everything stored away that could be used to break into your home.
- During times of absence in the evening use timer-switches and install outdoor lighting.
- Secure terrace doors by installing burglar resistant roller shutters or worm fences.
- Have only high-quality locks and cylinder locks installed.
Contact:
Police can be reached throughout Austria at the local rate number 059 133.
Last review: October 2017.