BURGLARIES

1. MAKE SURE THE DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE CLOSED WELL.

2. Do not leave valuables or money in plain view. Keep them in a safe place.

3. Make a detailed list and keep a photographic record of valuables, jewellery, audio-visual devices, computers, etc. Include their serial numbers or inscriptions, to hinder their subsequent sale and to facilitate their identification if they are recovered.

4. Secure, as reasonably practical, external items to avoid them being taken.

5. Install a programmable clock that turns lights, the radio or television, etc. on and off at different times, thereby simulating an occupied home.

6. Do not disclose your absence.

7. Do not leave visible signs that your home is unoccupied. Do not completely lower the shutters.

8. Whenever possible, install a good security door, a bolt, a peephole with an open-angle view and an alarm.

9. Secure the basement windows with burglar bars.

10. Illuminate the entrance, the porch and the front or back yards.

11. If you see strange people hanging around in your street or near your home, notify the the security team or the police.

12. If you find the door of your home open or a broken window, do not enter. Call the police immediately from your mobile phone, from a neighbour’s house or from a public telephone. Do not touch anything inside to avoid destroying evidence.

13. If you lose your keys, they are stolen or you have just moved in to a house or a flat, change the door locks.

14. Do not disconnect the doorbell, the electricity, etc. when leaving the home.

15. It is advisable to tell a trusted friend to empty your mailbox, leave your address and contact number where you can be reached while you are away and also leave another set of keys. This is always safer than using improvised hiding places. Of course, do not leave the keys in the mailbox, under flowerpots or under doormats. It is the first place where thieves look.

16. When you are leaving your property unoccupied for a long period of time. Inform Security so that they are aware the property is unoccupied. Please remember to inform them when you return.

17. Be prudent. Do not discuss your departure with strangers or presume about the magnificent trip you plan to take, and of course, do not leave notes that indicate when you will return.

18. Do not leave a phone message saying something like “You are calling the Smith’s house. We’ll return your call when we return from our holiday”. It is better to leave a message similar to this: “We are not available at this moment. Please leave a message and we will call you.”.

19. Immediately report any suspicious sounds and unusual movements of cars or strangers around your home or streets to the security team or to the police.

WHEN YOU ARE AT HOME

1. Do not allow strangers to access your property.

2. Chain locks may not stop someone who is determined to enter. Keep the door closed until you can fully identify the person.

3. Always demand accreditation from service representatives (such as water, electricity, telephone, gas, etc.), and do not accept services that you have not previously requested. If you have doubts, confirm the technician’s visit by telephone with the supply company.

4. When leaving the house, DO NOT SIMPLY CLOSE THE DOOR, LOCK IT WITH THE KEY.