Protect yourself from robbery in your own four walls

The front door is a popular location for scammers and conmen to carry out crimes, as that’s where victim feels safe and comfortable. The elderly are particularly targeted by perpetrators as they are supposedly easy victims. 

Culprits ring the bell under a fictitious pretext. They use clever conversation to gain the trust of victims and to attempt to enter the house. The victim is defenceless here where there are no witnesses or help on hand from third parties. 

Typical pretexts used by con artists include: 

“I have a package, flowers, etc. for the neighbours.”
“I’m pregnant and not feeling well. May I use your telephone quickly?”
“I’m carrying out a survey. Do you have a minute?”
“I’m here on behalf of your bank/building manager.”
“I’m a workman and have to check your piping.”

Reasonable protection and a healthy dose of scepticism are the best ways to protect yourself from home invasions. Only open the door to people you know. However, if there is a stranger at your door, an additional lock with a deadbolt gives you the option of opening the door a crack to speak with unknown persons or to accept small objects.

Tips for self-protection:

• Never let strangers into your home!
• Demand to see ID cards and check them carefully.
• Talk loudly to pushy visitors and call for help.
• Never share personal information such as your account number or PIN numbers.
• Never enter into agreements at the door.
• Never sign any visitor confirmations or similar.
• Never be pushed into anything.

More and more robberies in homes

Unfortunately, the risk of becoming the victim of a robbery in your own home is increasing constantly. Indeed, police crime statistics show that there were 2,911 robberies in homes in 2011. This corresponds to an increase of 3.2% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Therefore, you should check carefully who is at your door and for whom you open it. Call the police if you are suspicious that a visitor is a criminal. Notify the police immediately following the incident if there has already been any damage!

ABUS products for increased security when you are at home

ABUS offers a range of different products to protect you from uninvited guests.

• Peepholes allow you to see what is in front of the door without having to open it at all. Our digital peepholes are ideal for glasses-wearers, the elderly, children and people with disabilities. Instead of having to keep an eye glued to the peephole in the door, digital peepholes allow you to see who is at your door comfortably on a large screen.
• Door chains and additional door locks with deadbolts allow you to open the door a crack. This lets you speak with whomever is at the door and take a close look at them. You can then decide whether to open the door for them completely.
• Our intercom systems allow you to see your visitors and speak with them from a safe distance – all without having to open the door. If necessary, you can also let guests in using our systems.

Other tips

You can find more information and product suggestions in our door security brochures.