Police Issue Guidance on Preventing Burglaries During Winter Months

On Wednesday 12 November 2025, the Grand Ducal Police issued guidance on preventing burglaries during the winter months.

The police noted that they are "very active" in the fight against burglaries during autumn and winter - periods which are more conducive to burglaries due to earlier nightfall and reduced visibility. Preventive and proactive efforts include targeted patrols and an increased police presence at key times and locations. Reactive and enforcement efforts include the search for perpetrators, neighbourhood inquiries, forensic evidence collection, investigations carried out by the criminal investigation department and the organisation of unmarked and uniformed patrols.

The police stressed that raising public awareness plays a crucial role in burglary prevention.

On average, a burglary lasts no more than five to ten minutes (including breaking and entering and searching the property). Burglaries can occur both during the day and at night. In general, burglars do not seek confrontation with the resident and will usually flee once they realise they have been spotted. If the resident realises a burglary is in progress, it is not advisable to confront the perpetrator directly. Instead, the resident should immediately call the police on the emergency number 113 and signal to the burglar that they have been seen, for example by making noise, shouting or turning on the lights.

In terms of preventative measures, the police recalled that good mechanical home security, an alarm system and individual vigilance significantly reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim.

In addition to electronic and mechanical security measures, the following actions can help prevent burglaries:

- when away, even for a short time, ensure all windows and doors are closed. A tilt-and-turn window is an easy entry point for burglars. If windows are lockable, keys should not be left in the locks;

- activate the alarm system when leaving the house or apartment, even for a short time;

- as some burglars avoid light, it is advisable to keep the lights on at home during darker periods;

- lock garage and cellar doors, and ensure that no unknown person can access shared garages or cellars. Bicycles should be secured in shared garages or locked in a private cellar;

- reduce the risk of theft from vehicles parked outside: avoid parking in dark areas and lock the vehicle, even during short absences. Valuables should never be left visible (e.g. not on the seats or any other place visible from the outside);

- when absent for several days, inform neighbours so they can report anything suspicious;

- before leaving on holiday, inform the police by filling out the "Going on holiday" form (available on the e-Police Station portal). The police will conduct occasional preventative patrols around the residence, day or night, as part of general surveillance;

- report any suspicious person or vehicle to the police, especially if they are suspected of observing a street or neighbourhood.

The effectiveness of police action against criminal gangs specialising in burglaries depends on the quality of information provided by the public. While any report can be valuable, it is important that information is as precise and complete as possible, noted the police, adding that reports should be made by calling 113.

The police website offers additional practical prevention advice, including recommendations for mechanical and electronic home security.

Furthermore, the National Crime Prevention Service (SNPC) is available to the public free of charge to provide tailored advice. By appointment, SNPC officers can visit homes to offer advice. For more information, visit https://police.public.lu/fr/votre-police/services-et-unites/snpc.html