The police is reminding practical advice on how to prevent burglaries, as well as recommendations on safety when travelling by car on holiday.
Preparing Your Vehicle and Route
Indeed, proper preparation begins with the vehicle. Before setting off, it’s important to check the condition of your car, such as ensuring the headlights are working, inspecting the tires, brakes, and checking the levels of engine oil and windshield washer fluid. Additionally, make sure the load is securely fastened. In the event of an impact, unsecured objects can pose a significant risk.
We therefore recommend:
- Loading the car the evening before departure;
- Placing suitcases in the trunk rather than on the back seats;
- Ensuring that you have a clear view from all sides;
- Arranging the items in the trunk so that they do not exceed the height of the back seat;
- Ensuring that you do not exceed your vehicle's maximum permitted weight.
It is important to remember that a loaded vehicle has a longer braking distance. Therefore, it is necessary to also adjust the tire pressure before setting off.
Additionally, specific vignettes are mandatory in certain countries.
Regarding the journey, we advise citizens to:
- Avoid planning the route at the last minute;
- Prepare an alternative route if necessary;
- Regularly listen to local radio stations to stay informed about traffic conditions;
- Have drinks on hand in case of extended waiting times in a traffic jam;
- Plan regular breaks and stop to rest in case of fatigue.
Furthermore, in an effort to prevent accidents and ensure road safety during holiday departures, the Road Police Unit recently conducted a preventive inspection of motorhomes at its site in Bertrange.
Preventing Burglaries
During a longer absence, the risk of burglary increases: blinds remain closed, garbage bins stay empty, the mailbox is not emptied, and the lights are always off. The home appears abandoned, making it an easy target for burglars. To avoid unpleasant surprises after your vacation, the Police recommend taking certain preventive measures.
Before leaving for vacation, it's important to:
- Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed. If windows or sliding doors have locks, do not leave the key in the lock.
- Also lock the doors to garages and cellars.
- Activate the alarm system.
- Inform neighbours of the prolonged absence so they can be aware and notify you if they observe anything suspicious.
Additionally, we recommend:
- Request the post office to hold your mail or have it forwarded to another address;
- Avoid drawing attention to your prolonged absence by announcing it on social media. If your address is listed on your profile or there are photos of your home, it will be easy to locate it;
- Confide your vacation address, house key, and, if applicable, the alarm system code to a trusted person;
- Keep neither cash nor valuable items at home.
Free "Going on holiday" Service of the Police
Did you know that you can notify the Police when you go on vacation? By doing so, through the E-Police station, officers can include your home in their occasional preventive patrols as part of general territory surveillance, both day and night. This service for citizens is free of charge.