Burglary awareness campaign as nights draw in

A national anti-burglary campaign is taking place around Belgium this week - as we enter the time of year when the highest number of house break-ins occur.

Last year, Belgian police recorded more than 52,000 burglaries - 144 every day. This Friday (26 October) has been designated "One Day Without Burglary", with police organising events around the country to remind homeowners of the simple steps they can take to secure their property.

With the nights drawing in, now is the time when burglaries are most common. "There are fewer people out on the streets and it is easier for a burglar to detect if someone is at home or not," said campaign coordinator Cathy Grimmeau.

Municipalities in Belgium offer a free personalised burglary prevention service, in which an independent expert examines your home and provides tips on how to make it more secure. You can request a visit on www.conseillerenpreventionvol.be

More tips can be found on the campaign website www.1joursans.be