2. Prevention

Welcome to the next stage of our five-level approach to home protection. At this level, we will focus on tactical measures aimed at preventing potential threats and protecting your home through proactive actions. I see this level as the tactical planning stage, the level where action plans are created for specific situations. The difference between strategy and tactics lies in their scope and time horizon. Strategy sets the goals and general principles, while tactics focus on specific actions and methods to achieve these goals. In a home protection system, strategy outlines the broad directions, while tactics bring them to life through concrete measures and actions.

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When planning for intrusion prevention, it makes sense to break down typical situations (scenarios) in which a home burglary could occur:

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• We, the residents, are at home.

• The home is unoccupied for a short period:

  • During the day (we are at work).

  • In the evening or at night (we are out visiting friends, at a restaurant, concert, etc.).

• The home is unoccupied for 2-3 weeks (we are on vacation).

• The home is unoccupied for more than a month.

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Let's discuss action plans.

Regardless of the scenario, here are some basic rules to follow:

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• Equip your door with a reliable locking system.

• Install appropriate and approved equipment: shutters, bars, alarms/protection systems, etc.

• Do not write your name and home address on your keychain.

• Do not leave your keys under the doormat or in the mailbox.

• Do not keep large sums of money at home.

• Store your jewelry, artwork, and valuables in a safe place, such as a bank deposit. Make a list and take photos of your valuables.

• Keep receipts for large purchases.

• Build good relationships with your neighbors!

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Now let's look at additional steps for each scenario.

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We, the residents, are at home

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• Try to lock doors and windows, even if you are home during the day. At night, always lock them.

• Use intercoms and video intercoms to check visitors before opening the door.

• Maintain good relationships with neighbors and monitor suspicious events together.

• Teach your children these basic rules.

• Set your alarm system to night mode.

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The home is unoccupied for a short period

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• During the day (we are at work):

  • Turn on the alarm and surveillance system before leaving.

  • Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked.

  • Close the curtains or shutters so intruders cannot see inside.

• In the evening or at night (we are out visiting friends, at a restaurant, concert, etc.):

  • Turn on the alarm and surveillance system before leaving.

  • Double-check the locks on doors and windows.

  • Use timers or smart home systems to turn lights on and off in different rooms to create an illusion of presence in the evening.

  • Inform your neighbors of your absence and ask them to keep an eye on your home.

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The home is unoccupied for 2-3 weeks (we are on vacation or business trip)

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• Inspect all doors and windows before leaving, ensuring they are securely locked. Don't forget the garage, skylights, etc.

• If you have external shutters or grilles, close those as well.

• I also recommend taking photos of locked windows, turned-off stoves, and irons. This will save you from wondering, "Did I turn off the stove?"

• It’s also wise to take pictures of your most valuable items so that, in case of theft, you have proof of damage for the insurance company.

• Set timers for lighting and radio to simulate presence.

• Make sure all surveillance and alarm systems are working properly and are set to notify you on your phone.

• Inform trusted neighbors of your vacation and ask them to keep an eye on the house and collect mail and newspapers.

• Use the "Tranquillité Vacances" (OTV) program.*

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The home is unoccupied for more than a month (we are temporarily living elsewhere)

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• Carefully inspect and lock all entry points before your long-term absence. Double-check. Take photos! :)

• Make sure you have remote access to your surveillance and alarm systems for monitoring.

• Use timers for lights and radio to simulate presence.

• Inform your neighbors or relatives of your extended absence and ask them to periodically check on the condition of the house.

• Maintain communication with your neighbors to stay informed about the state of your home.

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If you’re wondering what an automatic light and radio timer is, welcome to the next level, where we’ll discuss specific technical solutions!

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*In France, there is a program called "Tranquillité Vacances," which allows residents to inform the local police or gendarmerie of their absence during vacations. The "Tranquillité Vacances" program is free and aims to help residents protect their homes during their absence by providing regular police patrols to check on the house. To take advantage of this service, you need to inform your local police station or gendarmerie in advance about your plans and provide them with information on the dates of your absence.

How to apply:

• Visit your local police station or gendarmerie: Applications are typically made in person.

• Fill out a form: You will be asked to provide your contact details, address, dates of absence, and the contact information of a trusted person (if any).

• Confirmation: After submitting the application, the police will patrol your neighborhood and regularly check on your home.

Source of information: service-public.fr. I highly recommend checking this information directly, as details may change, and I don't want to mislead you with a full copy-paste.