Our tips to avoid burglaries this summer

Many burglaries occur during the summer season. Burglars take advantage of vacation departures to carry out their misdeeds.
No panic: the TOITCHEZMOI team has thought of you. They have put together a list of tips to avoid the worst.

1. Do not put your address on your keys!

Often, when you are a tenant and have just signed a lease for a property, the address appears on the keychain. Remember to remove it immediately. In case of loss or theft, this will prevent unscrupulous people from coming to do their shopping at your place.

2. Beware of doors that slam shut

More and more homes lock by simply slamming the door: it’s convenient when you’re in a hurry, but it’s not the best in terms of security. Indeed, there is nothing easier for burglars than to open a door that is just slammed shut… and all without any sign of forced entry. Remember that in case of burglary without forced entry, it will be much harder to get reimbursed by your insurance.

3. Be careful about what you post on social media

We rarely think about it, but social media is a goldmine of information for burglars: geolocation apps, posting photos or clues about your home address. All this information you give to potential burglars… If you tend to post photos of your weekends and vacations on various networks, you directly inform everyone that your home is empty.
Keep this in mind!

4. Keep your valuables in a safe place

Remember to keep the receipts of your valuables and to store them in a safe place. You can even entrust them to your relatives or trusted people. In case of burglary, this will avoid major damage. Similarly, do not leave cash at home!

5. Be careful about what you leave in your car! 

Come on, we bet you have either mail with your name in your car, or a GPS with your home address saved, or even both.
Got it?
Yes: these are simple habits we keep. However, more and more burglars are interested in what’s inside your car. They could use it to find your address… and rob you.

6. Don’t play hide and seek with the duplicate of your keys 

We are used to hiding a spare key under the doormat, under a flower pot, or even in the mailbox: it’s a very bad idea. Really.
Again, burglars could enter without forced entry. This would cause huge problems for you to get reimbursed. Instead, entrust your keys to your neighbors or a close relative.

But the best way to avoid being burglarized is still to not leave the Host’s accommodation abandoned! Consider home exchange for services: you can perfectly welcome a supportive Cohabitant who will take care of your house during the holidays thanks to TOITCHEZMOI: a smart way to leave with peace of mind. And it’s even a way to earn extra income for the summer!