It appears there might be a slight misunderstanding regarding the publication date. The article you linked from Presse-Citron, “Vacances d’été : voici comment des cambrioleurs repèrent si une maison est protégée ou non (et comment les faire fuir),” was published on July 24, 2023, at 06:48.
This informative article from Presse-Citron offers valuable insights into how burglars assess the security of a home, particularly during the summer vacation period, and provides practical advice on how to deter them. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed in the article:
The central theme of the article is to demystify the methods used by opportunistic burglars to identify potential targets and to empower homeowners with knowledge on how to make their properties less appealing to criminals.
How Burglars Identify Vulnerable Homes:
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Signs of Absence: The most obvious indicator for burglars is the prolonged absence of occupants. This can be signaled by:
- Mail Accumulation: Piles of mail in the letterbox or newspapers left on the doorstep are clear signs that no one is home to collect them.
- Overgrown Gardens: Unkempt gardens or lawns that are clearly not being tended to suggest that the residents are away for an extended period.
- Lights Out at Night: A completely dark house during evening hours can indicate an empty property.
- No Cars in Driveway: The absence of vehicles typically parked at the residence is another tell-tale sign.
- Rolled-Up Shutters: Permanently closed shutters, especially during the day, can suggest the owners are not present.
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Indicators of Potential Valuables: Burglars also look for clues that a house might contain desirable items:
- Visible Expensive Items: Electronics or other valuable items left visible through windows can attract attention.
- Cluttered Exterior: A messy yard or easily accessible side gates might suggest a less vigilant homeowner.
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Assessing Security Measures (or Lack Thereof): Burglars are also adept at spotting whether a home has security in place:
- Visible Alarm Systems: While often a deterrent, the lack of visible signs of security, such as cameras or alarm company stickers, can also be a factor.
- Unsecured Entry Points: Doors or windows that are visibly unlocked or have weak locks are prime targets.
- Easy Access: Properties with low fences, overgrown bushes providing cover, or easily climbable structures are seen as more accessible.
How to Deter Burglars and Make Your Home More Secure:
The article then transitions to offering actionable advice for homeowners to protect their properties:
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Maintain the Appearance of Occupancy:
- Ask a Neighbor for Help: Having a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers, water plants, and even park their car in your driveway periodically can create the illusion that someone is home.
- Use Timers for Lights: Employing timers for indoor and outdoor lights to switch on and off at different times can simulate activity.
- Keep the Exterior Tidy: Maintain your garden and lawn; an orderly exterior suggests an attentive owner.
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Strengthen Entry Points:
- Secure All Doors and Windows: Ensure all doors and windows are properly locked, even for short absences. Consider reinforced doors and high-security locks.
- Install Window Locks: These add an extra layer of security to ground-floor windows.
- Trim Shrubs and Trees: Keep bushes and trees trimmed, especially around windows and doors, to eliminate hiding places.
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Enhance Visible Security:
- Install a Security System: A visible alarm system, whether professionally monitored or a DIY system, can be a strong deterrent.
- Consider Security Cameras: Visible security cameras, even dummy ones, can make burglars think twice.
- Good Outdoor Lighting: Well-lit exteriors can deter criminals who prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
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Be Mindful of Social Media: The article implicitly suggests caution when posting about vacation plans online, as this can inadvertently inform potential burglars of your absence.
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Inform Trusted Neighbors: Letting a trusted neighbor know you’ll be away and asking them to keep an eye on your property is a simple yet effective measure.
In summary, the Presse-Citron article serves as a valuable public service announcement for homeowners, equipping them with the knowledge to understand the tactics of burglars and, more importantly, to implement practical strategies to protect their homes during vacation periods and beyond. By making a home appear occupied and well-secured, residents can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Presse-Citron published ‘Vacances d’été : voici comment des cambrioleurs repèrent si une maison est protégée ou non (et comment les faire fuir)’ at 2025-07-24 06:48. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.