As the holiday season fast approaches, the Luxembourg Police and the Automobile Club Luxembourg (ACL) have put together some safety tips for those travelling and leaving their homes unoccupied this summer.
These include safety tips both for preparing a vehicle before hitting the road and for the prevention of burglaries whilst holidaymakers are not at home.
For car owners planning a trip with their vehicle, the ACL has advised: checking they have all the necessary documents and, to make life easier in the event of theft or loss, keeping a separate photocopy or scanning them; planning the route, consulting traffic updates, being informed on the road rules of countries to be driven through; having the technical condition of their vehicle checked for possible risks of breakdown; being well-rested and, once on the road, taking breaks every two hours; staying hydrated, especially in hot weather; clearing the road, in the event of a breakdown or accident, by moving the vehicle out of the way and using hazard warning lights; wearing seatbelts.
To help customers prepare for their travels, the reception of ACL Bertrange will be open exceptionally on the Saturday mornings of 7, 14 and 21 July, from 09:00-12:30.
Meanwhile, the Luxembourg Police has issued some tips regarding the prevention of burglaries. Firstly, holidaymakers are advised that burglaries normally take no longer than 5-10 minutes on average and, in case of prolonged absence from one's home, the police offers a burglary prevention service, during which officers will conduct occasional prevention patrols as part of their general surveillance, day or night, at the home. To register, submit an application to the police either by registering on the ecommissariat ("Departure on holidays") (https://police.public.lu/fr/commissariat-virtuel.html ) or by filling out the paper form that can be submitted to each police station. This form is also distributed by the ACL.
Moreover, the police has developed several publications on the subject of burglary prevention. For instance, the "Safety by a few simple actions" flyer contains basic advice for simple but effective prevention: visibility means security; climbing equipment around the house makes it easier for the burglar; ensure that you have a switch inside the house for outdoor electrical outlets; close all windows and doors (also the garage door) when away; never hide your key outside nor leave the key in the interior lock of an exterior glass door; fo not leave large sums of cash or jewellery in plain sight; be careful not to open the door immediately to strangers; inform the neighbours that you will be absent.
Other tips on preventing burglaries, as well as car theft, while on holiday are available at: https://police.public.lu/fr/prevention/bribolages.html.
