Greater security through effective burglary protection

Interview with Johann Pfallenzeller from the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office

Rising burglary rates in the winter months – how can you protect yourself? When the days get shorter and darkness falls earlier, the risk of residential burglaries increases. The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office was represented at the Heim und Handwerk trade fair to provide information about effective burglary protection measures. Johann Pfallenzeller, an expert in burglary prevention, explains how apartment and house owners can effectively protect themselves against burglaries. In addition to high-quality security measures for doors and windows, he also gives valuable tips on how to behave in order to minimize the risk of a burglary.

Burglary protection starts at the front door – security through certified doors

Burglary attempts often start at the front door. According to Pfallenzeller, burglar-resistant doors are one of the best ways to protect yourself against unwanted intruders. A secure door has a solid lock in several places, a sturdy strike plate, and additional rear hooks on the hinge side. Burglar-resistant security fittings and a certified lock cylinder increase resistance and make it much more difficult for burglars.

Burglar-resistant door with solid locking mechanism and locking bar

The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office relies on tested and certified doors that comply with DIN standard 1627 and have different resistance classes. A door with resistance class RC3, as presented at the trade fair, can withstand an attack for several minutes—a decisive factor, as perpetrators often give up quickly if the break-in takes too long.

Windows – The often underestimated weak point in burglaries

In addition to the front door, windows are a particularly vulnerable weak point. Standard windows can often be broken open in less than a minute with a simple lever tool. Here, Pfallenzeller recommends the use of burglar-resistant windows of resistance class RC2, which are secured with special mushroom head pins. These locking mechanisms prevent easy levering by creating a hooking effect. Lockable window handles can further reduce the risk. Another important security feature is impact-resistant glazing, which makes it more difficult for burglars to break the glass. “It's almost impossible to break this type of glass,” emphasizes Pfallenzeller.

Simple measures for burglary prevention – behavior plays a major role

In addition to technical security measures, your own behavior is an important part of burglary protection. One of the most common sources of error is leaving windows open or tilted, which makes it particularly easy for perpetrators. The front door should also always be completely locked—the bolt should be turned as often as possible, as doors are tested when they are fully locked. Another tip: simulate presence. Especially in the dark season or during the holiday season, you should give the impression that someone is at home. This can be done by using timers for lights or shutters, regularly emptying the mailbox, or playing music in the background. If you want additional security, you can also consider not displaying valuables in an obvious manner. Luxury that is visible from the outside can attract burglars – this makes it all the more important to protect yourself with technology, regardless of the type of property. With the right measures and behavior, the risk of a break-in can be significantly reduced. The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office recommends finding out about suitable security measures at an early stage and, if in doubt, seeking advice from experts.