Holidays are synonymous with sunshine and leaving, but also with the fear of being robbed… When it comes to turning off the gas, watering the plants and emptying the fridge, the question arises: how to give the impression that the house is busy? Some holidaymakers decide to leave their shutters open, others to close them. What is the best behavior to adopt before going on vacation?
According to insurance companies, it is better to close your shutters before going on vacation to deter burglars. Indeed, closed shutters give the impression that the house is occupied. During the summer period, many French people keep their house cool by closing their shutters. A house with the blinds down for several days would attract less attention than an open house. In addition, according to the insurer Axa, closing its shutters would also “curb intrusions, since a majority of criminals would give up when the openings resist for more than three minutes.”
The importance of closing your shutters before leaving is such that some insurers include a specific clause in their home insurance contract concerning their closing during prolonged absences. According to the company specializing in alarms Verisure, “your home insurance will only compensate you slightly, if at all, in the event of a burglary during an absence of more than 24 hours if you have not closed your shutters when you had them. .”
However, closing the shutters can also be an involuntary admission of a long absence and can thus make burglars want to visit your home. What is the opinion of the police and security companies on opening the shutters during the holidays?
As insurance companies, security companies and the police encourage the French to close their shutters when leaving on extended holidays, Le Figaro reports. According to law enforcement, closed shutters would deter thieves since they would prevent them from spotting valuables inside the house. In addition, if a burglar is alerted by the presence of unchecked mail in the mailbox, he will not be able to peek out the window and notice your absence. However, while the police encourage double-closing doors and shutters, they also recommend asking a neighbor to come and open them from time to time. How do you make your house look occupied?
According to Le Figaro, home automation makes it possible to simulate a presence at home during the holidays. Indeed, it makes it possible to program the opening and closing of the shutters at specific times of the day remotely. Some systems are even equipped with sensors that detect light, temperature or wind and then automatically adjust the opening or closing of the shutters accordingly. A major asset when going on vacation and in the fight against burglaries. However, it is also possible to ask a loved one to monitor their home or to call on Operation Tranquillity Vacation (OTV).