The subtle detail burglars hope you miss
Before you even put your key in the door, take a careful look: is there a thin thread of glue stretched between your door and its frame? If so, that’s not some leftover DIY—it’s a burglar’s calling card. Thieves use this discreet trick to check if anyone’s home and plan their return when the coast is clear to rob the place. The method is simple: with a glue gun or a similar tool, they dab a tiny bit of liquid glue on the edge, forming a nearly invisible thread when the door closes. If someone opens the door, the thread will break—it’s that simple.
Other crafty techniques: not just glue
Unfortunately, some crooks get even more creative. For instance, have you ever noticed your buzzer ringing continuously, with no one there? Some will use tape on the doorbell: the pressure from the tape keeps it ringing non-stop. If nobody comes to the door or removes it, that’s a clear sign for thieves that no one’s home—and that your apartment is ripe for the taking. To give yourself peace of mind (and maybe some financial cushion), make sure you’re covered with good home insurance. It can make all the difference if the worst does happen.
How these tricks give burglars the upper hand
By using these kinds of tactics, intruders get all the info they need: is the apartment vacant or not? They’ll return regularly to check on their little trap. If the glue thread remains intact after a day or two, it means no one’s come or gone. Broken thread? Time to move on. If it’s still there, the green light is on for a break-in. And the truly bold thieves? They’ve got one more trick up their sleeve. It’s not unusual for them to blend in by posing as delivery people or even residents as they roam apartment corridors, keeping an eye out and quietly marking doors as they go.
Play it safe: prevention tips
- Whatever you do, resist the urge to broadcast your vacation dates all over social media. Save the beach photos for later!
- Let your closest, most trusted neighbors know when you’ll be away. Not only can they keep an eye out, maybe they’ll even water your plants while they’re at it.
- Check if your area or local police offers a “vacation watch” program (in France, this is known as “Opération Tranquillité Vacances”). It’s as simple as letting the local police or sheriff’s office know you’ll be away, and they’ll add your home to the patrol route—both day and night.
Crime doesn’t take a holiday, but with a little vigilance and a sharp eye for the smallest detail, you can outsmart even the sneakiest of burglars. Always check the door before stepping inside—and remember, sometimes the tiniest clue is all it takes to keep your home safe and sound.
