The risk of burglary increases during the darker months – information stands in Lorsch and Groß-Gerau offer free advice
With the onset of the darker months, home security is once again a major concern. The South Hesse police point out that burglars can take advantage of the early darkness to break into houses and apartments undetected. However, the risk can be reduced with simple precautions. Citizens can also receive personal advice at two information booths in Lorsch and Groß-Gerau.
The police recommend not only paying attention to technical security measures, but also examining one's own behavior. Often it is everyday habits that make it easier for burglars to gain access or give them clues that the residents are away.
Simulate presence and secure access
An important aspect of burglary prevention is making your home appear occupied even when you're away. Timers for lights or TV simulators can help with this. According to the police, such measures should also be used on upper floors.
Roller shutters should ideally only be lowered in the evening. Roller shutters that remain closed during the day, on the other hand, can indicate a prolonged absence.
It is particularly important to fully close and lock all windows and doors when leaving your apartment or house. Tilted windows and unlocked doors are considered open and make it easier for burglars to gain access. This can also cause problems with your insurance.
Outdoor lighting and clear visibility make break-ins more difficult
While tall hedges and dense bushes offer privacy for residents, they can also allow burglars to work undetected.
The police therefore recommend keeping particularly vulnerable areas around the house clearly visible. Outdoor lights with motion detectors can also act as a deterrent. They should be installed along access routes and in areas prone to break-ins, and mounted out of immediate reach.
Even fences and closed gates can form a visible barrier. Open property gates should be avoided whenever possible.
Keep keys and valuables safe
According to the police, leaving a spare key under the doormat, in a flowerpot, or in other supposedly secure places is not a good idea. Burglars know the usual hiding places.
If a house key is lost, the police recommend replacing the affected lock cylinder.
Valuables such as jewelry, cash, or important documents should not be left lying around. Suitable safes or bank deposit boxes are recommended for secure storage.
According to police recommendations, a safe weighing less than 1,000 kilograms should be firmly anchored in the masonry or the floor to prevent it from being easily carried away.
Give no indication of absence
Anyone who is traveling or will be away from home for an extended period should not announce this publicly. In particular, posts on social media can unintentionally reveal that an apartment or house is empty.
Messages on the answering machine, overflowing mailboxes, or garbage cans left outside permanently can also indicate the absence of the residents.
The police also advise documenting valuables and, if possible, taking photos. Such a list can help identify and clearly identify stolen items after a theft.
The police crime prevention unit provides a list of valuables for download .
Free information stands in Lorsch and Groß-Gerau
To inform citizens about effective protective measures, the South Hesse police are offering two public consultation sessions.
On Friday, October 30, 2026, police officers will be available to answer questions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the market square in Lorsch.
Another information booth is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 4 pm to 6 pm in the market square in Groß-Gerau.
At both events, officers will provide information on ways to better secure houses and apartments against burglaries. This will cover both proper behavior and suitable security measures.
Attentive neighbors can prevent burglaries
In addition to protecting one's own home, the police emphasize the importance of vigilant neighbors. Anyone who makes unusual observations and pays attention to their surroundings can help prevent burglaries.
For individual advice, the police advisory service of the South Hesse Police Headquarters is also available. There, experts provide free and product-neutral information on recommended security measures.
The most important information
- Friday, October 30, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Information booth on burglary prevention, Lorsch market square
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m.: Information booth on burglary prevention, Groß-Gerau market square
- Consultation: Free and product-neutral
- Police Advisory Center: South Hesse Police Headquarters
- Phone: 06151 / 969-40444
- Email: beratungstelle.PPSH@Polizei.Hessen.de
- Document valuables: Download the police valuables list.
(EED/ots)
