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"How safe is your home?"

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On October 14, the Swiss Bike Park Oberried was full of excitement: in the second SYMPOSIUM DIRECT, a former burglar, an experienced ex-criminalist, a psychologist and a security expert provided valuable insights into the world of burglary protection and the psychological consequences for those affected.

Since the pandemic, burglaries and thefts have unfortunately increased by an alarming 16% every year.

The topic "How secure is your home?" therefore met with great interest, with around 150 guests finding out about security within their own four walls.

”Switzerland is a self-service store. Open windows and doors, tools in the garden or parcels on the doorstep - these are all invitations for burglars.

As a burglar, Hammed Khamis was one of the best in his profession and was known far beyond the country's borders. Today, he advises security companies and the police and gives talks in prisons, universities and schools.

Alt text: Conversation between a former burglar, an experienced ex-criminalist and a psychologist

In overalls or with a briefcase

Hammed Khamis and the former head of the police department, Thomas Sollberger, agree that there is no such thing as the classic burglar as portrayed in crime novels. Burglars dress inconspicuously like tradesmen or business people and move around safely without arousing suspicion. They quickly change their appearance when necessary, whether by changing their posture, putting on a cap or a conspicuous jacket.

Kurier in roter Uniform Zusteller steht mit Paketen in den Händen im Freien warten Hausbesitzer offene Tür

What deters burglars: the time factor

Time is a crucial aspect when choosing a burglary target. The quicker and more discreet a break-in is, the lower the risk of detection. Burglars therefore prefer unprotected properties, but not everyone is deterred by a surveillance camera.

Einbruch auf Zeit

The fear after a break-in

Anyone who is the victim of a burglary knows that it involves more than just material loss. It is a drastic experience that often leaves deep emotional scars. Those affected feel unsafe in their own four walls. Insomnia, anxiety and a feeling of vulnerability can last for weeks or months. The loss of personal and irreplaceable possessions is particularly difficult.

Frau mit einem Nervenzusammenbruch

Getting back to life

Immediately after a burglary, a phase of intense activity follows: damage assessment, police reports, insurance formalities and organizing repair work fill everyday life. It is often weeks later that the victim begins to come to terms with the experience. Psychologist Rahel Bachem knows what to do to help those affected return to their normal lives:

  • Allow yourself time and peace to process what has happened.
  • Try to talk to people you trust. Talk about your feelings, tell them what the experience is doing to you.
  • Resume your original rhythm of life. Habits create orientation and security.
  • Repaint a wall, rearrange the furniture, buy a new sofa or rehang a picture. Take control and reclaim your home.

Prevention: Which security strategy is right for you?

What assets do you own that are worth protecting and how intensive should the protection be? A first step in answering this question can be to list your possessions, advises security expert Philipp Schärer. Valuable possessions are not limited to jewelry, paintings or collections. It can be tools, cameras, consumer electronics, musical instruments, books, sports equipment or emotionally valuable items.

In a second step, it is worth clarifying the insurance cover. A lack of cover can have fatal financial consequences after a burglary.

Only then does the question of personal security requirements arise: do you rely on security glass, surveillance cameras, mechanical and structural security measures or a safe? Or do you want complete security and protection and opt for an alarm system with a connection to an operations center?

Open day? Not with us.

Einbrecher offene Türe
CHF 800 savings potential

The security of your own home is not a matter of chance, but the result of conscious decisions and actions.
You too can benefit from the Special offer 'Secure Doors Day'securitas Direct offers you a tailor-made security concept worth CHF 400 and a further discount of CHF 400 if you choose an alarm system from Securitas Direct by December 31, 2024.

View offer

Deter, delay, intervene, react

Deterrence begins with a hint of an alarm system. Well-locked doors, security glass or barred windows make intrusion more difficult. Cameras also have a deterrent effect, but the decisive factor is what happens after an alarm is triggered:

A quick response, for example by a security service or the police, is the key to intervening effectively so that a break-in can be prevented or at least the damage minimized.

Avoid confrontations!

Burglars are out to get to their target as quickly and undetected as possible. They want to get rich and avoid confrontation. A burglar wants to avoid being caught at - almost - all costs. If an encounter does occur, the following applies:

Don't play the hero, keep calm, get to safety and alert the police.

Discretion and mindfulness

Burglary protection starts with each individual, emphasizes Schärer. With simple measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a burglary:

  • Avoid giving any indication of your absence on social media or on your answering machine.
  • Always lock windows and doors carefully, even if you are away for a short time.
  • Regularly check windows and doors for signs of attempted break-ins.
  • Maintain good relations with your neighbors and keep an eye out for suspicious changes.

Burglary protection is a combination of technology, attentiveness and the ability to be prepared for crisis situations.

The conclusion after the SYMPOSIUM DIRECT in a nutshell:

  • We must make Switzerland an unattractive target for burglars.
  • Security strategies are individual. It is important to deal with them proactively and take measures before something happens.
  • Communication, neighborly help and prudent behavior are crucial elements in ensuring that we all have a safe home.

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To the impressions of the 2nd Symposium Direct Event

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