Outdoor lighting equipment and extra door and window security hardware to prevent home burglary

Installation of outdoor lighting equipment is the most common measure taken to prevent home burglary. More than 3 in every 4 Dutch households had installed anti-burglary devices last year, but fewer than 1 in 5 had shuttered windows or alarm systems.

Anti-burglary devices commonly found

Sometimes, housing corporations rather than occupants take measures to prevent burglary. In the case of rented houses, for example, it is the responsibility of the housing corporation. Traditionally, farms often have shuttered windows, although these are not specifically fitted to prevent burglary. Reversely, it is sometimes impossible to install anti-burglary devices, like shuttered doors and windows, for example in particular urban areas.

Some technical anti-burglary devices are commonly found. Last year, 79 percent of households had installed outdoor lighting equipment and 70 percent had fitted extra door and window security hardware. Shuttered doors and windows and alarm systems were found in only 16 and 12 percent of households respectively.

Technical measures to prevent home burglary, 2010

Precautionary behaviour

Crime – in particular theft – can also be avoided, if people change their behaviour in certain situations; for example, nearly three quarters of occupants hardly ever left valuable objects behind in their cars. Another 45 percent reported to leave the lights on at home when they were out and 40 percent left valuable objects at home to avoid being robbed. Also 40 percent leave their bicycles in a guarded bike parking facility.

Precautionary measures taken to avoid crime exposure, 2010

Harry Huys