Tips for citizens to prevent theft during the Easter celebration period

The General Regional Police Directorate of Western Greece advises and recommends to citizens, who during the Easter celebration period will be absent from their homes, to be especially careful by taking very simple protection measures, in order to prevent burglaries and thefts at their expense.

Leaving home

• Before you leave for vacation make sure the doors and windows of your home are well secured.
• Inform of your absence only to relatives and friends or neighbors you trust, so that they can supervise your home and, if there are particularly serious reasons, the Police Department of your area.
• Don’t leave notes about when you’ll be back or how long you’ll be gone.
• Don’t leave messages outside the door or mailboxes overflowing with papers and magazines on the head-stairs. They are “barks” of your absence. Also avoid leaving ladders, furniture or other bulky things in your garden, which will help the would-be attacker to climb.
• Your house or apartment should not look “completely closed”, thus indicating your absence.
• If possible, install an automatic light timer.
• Activate the alarm system, if present.
• Do not leave large sums of money or valuables in your home.
• In the event that you are informed by neighbors, friends or relatives that they notice something suspicious in your home, do not hesitate to notify “100” or the Police Department of your area.
• In case of theft, notify “100” or the Security Department of your area.

Protect your home from theft

• Install an automatic door closing mechanism at the main entrance of the apartment building.
• Lock the main door(s) of the apartment with a security lock.
• Always lock when you leave, even if you are only going to be away for a short time.
• Never leave the main entrance open with props and be especially careful if someone follows you into the building.
• The security systems of the main entrance (intercom with visual image), should allow you to identify and control your visitors
• Never open the door without making sure you know the visitor.
• Never leave emergency exit doors propped open.
• Never leave balcony doors and windows unlocked or open.
• Avoid giving your house keys to third parties.
• When you move, change the locks and keys. Do not leave second keys to your house, under pots or mats.
• Never leave large sums of money or valuables in your home and do not disclose to your social and professional circle the assets kept in your home.
• Garages and storage areas are a target.
• A good solution would be, if you can afford it, to install a security alarm system in a visible place.

On the journey

• Never leave a purse, wallet, money, credit cards, sunglasses, motorcycle or car keys exposed, wherever you are.
• Never leave your luggage unaccompanied unless you can secure it in a reception area.
• If you travel by public transport, do not carry large sums of money with you.
• Carry out your transactions at ATMs with great care and discretion.
• If you use your own means of transport (car or motorcycle), do not leave valuables in it or place them in a non-visible place.
• Never leave your motorcycle or car keys on them, even if you are going to be gone for a short time.
• Always make sure to park on streets, if possible well lit at night and never in deserted places. In any case, do not forget to activate the alarm system, if you have one.

REMEMBER

If you lose or have anything stolen, or if your place of residence is broken into, notify the Police immediately (100).

“We wish you safe holidays!” concludes the message of EL.AS.