The Portuguese proverb "After the house is robbed, lock the door" expresses a common reality: we prefer to act after the problem arises, rather than prevent risks in a timely manner. This attitude, quite common, reveals the human tendency to postpone the implementation of security measures until the moment we are directly harmed.
"After the House is Robbed, Lock the Door": Why Do We Expect the Worst?
But why wait until bad luck knocks on our door? The explanation largely lies in the psychology of procrastination and the very Portuguese characteristic of "let it go". Normally, we internalize risk as something distant and unlikely, until a specific situation - a robbery in the neighborhood or alarming news - turns danger into something tangible and urgent.
However, this delay in prevention is not just due to forgetfulness or lack of will. The "illusion of invulnerability" is, in this context, a determining factor. This psychological phenomenon leads people to believe they are less susceptible to dangers than they really are. A comforting personal narrative then emerges that tells us: "It happens to others, but not to me". This way of thinking creates a significant mental barrier, preventing us from acting preventively, even when aware of the risks involved.
In this article, I will show that acting preventively is not only smart, but also more economical and emotionally less traumatic than reacting after a robbery. Investing in the security of your residence in advance means preserving tranquility and protecting the most valuable space for all of us: our home.
Portugal: A Safe Haven with New Tides? The Residential Crime Landscape
Portugal is internationally recognized, rightly so, as a relatively safe country. However, it is important to approach this idea with caution. Safe does not mean immune, and the feeling of security, often fueled by favorable comparisons with other countries, may not exactly correspond to statistical reality, especially when it comes to property crimes and, more specifically, residential burglaries. The popular saying "Portugal is safe, but it used to be safer" reflects a growing concern with this issue.
According to recent official data, in 2024, authorities recorded 7,881 crimes classified as "Burglary in residences with forced entry, scaling, or false keys". Although this number represents a reduction compared to previous years, it still means about 22 homes burglarized per day, on average. In 2023, there were 8,237 cases of this crime, while in 2019 there were 10,961 and in 2015, 16,186 occurrences. This reduction over time is certainly positive, but these numbers still require a cautious attitude.
When analyzing the broader category of "crimes against property", in 2024, we can see that these crimes totaled 185,930 occurrences (52.4% of all crimes reported in Portugal - 354,878). In the previous year, 2023, there were 189,657 occurrences (51% of the recorded crime). The realization that more than half of the reported crimes in the country directly affect personal and business property highlights the importance of strengthening residential security. The home is often the main repository of personal and family belongings, therefore being a statistically relevant target. This is not an occasional threat, but rather the most common crime category in Portugal. Additionally, government reports indicate a general decrease in crimes, but an increase in violent crime, demonstrating the complexity and different facets of this reality.
But beware! Even if individual risk may seem statistically low, the effects of a robbery are invariably devastating for those who experience them, involving material losses, emotional damage, violation of privacy, and a sense of insecurity at home. It is also important to note that national averages may hide regional variations, with localities, or neighborhoods, where the incidence is significantly higher. Prevention aims to precisely avoid this negative impact, regardless of general statistics.
Below is a table that summarizes the main data regarding residential burglaries and crimes against property, providing a clear insight into the dimension of this issue in Portugal.
Table 1: Overview of Residential Burglaries and Crimes Against Property in Portugal
|
Indicator |
2019 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Burglaries in residences with forced entry, climbing, or false keys (No.) |
10,961 |
8,237 |
7,881 |
|
Crimes Against Property (No.) |
189,657 |
185,930 |
|
|
% Crimes Against Property in Total Crime |
51.0% |
52.4% |
|
|
General Crime Rate (‰) |
33.4‰ |
How Burglars Think and Act: Common Methods and Weak Points of Your Home
Understanding the burglars' modus operandi and the vulnerable points they typically look for in a home is essential to improve the security of your house.
Criminals' strategies are not random. They are based on observation, identifying weaknesses and applying techniques that maximize their chances of success with minimal risk.
Most Common Break-in Techniques
The methods used to illegally enter a residence vary, ranging from brute force to more stealthy and sophisticated techniques. Intrusion through doors and windows is one of the main methods, often involving physical break-ins. Climbing or forced entry are so common that they are covered specifically in insurance policies. A brute force tactic is kicking wooden doors, particularly effective against less sturdy structures.
- A technique that has gained notoriety for its effectiveness and discretion is lock bumping: this method consists of manipulating traditional cylinder locks by inserting a special key ("bump key" or "bumping key"), followed by precise blows that make the pins jump, allowing the cylinder to rotate and the door to open. It is a silent technique, often not damaging the door, making it difficult to immediately detect the break-in and sometimes proving it for insurance purposes. It is particularly effective on low-quality or older locks that do not have anti-bumping protection systems. Its relative ease of learning has contributed to its popularization among criminals.
- The use of fake or illegitimately obtained keys is another way of gaining access. This includes the use of counterfeit keys, genuine keys that have been lost or stolen and whose locks have not been subsequently replaced, or the use of lock picks and other similar tools.
- Less violent, but equally invasive, is illegitimate entry or hidden presence, where the intruder sneaks into the home, taking advantage of a moment of carelessness, and hides, waiting for the right moment to act, usually when the house is closed and empty.
Although the focus of this article is on theft prevention (which ideally occurs without direct confrontation), it is important to note that some burglaries may involve the use of violence or threats, especially if the occupants are present at the time of the intrusion.
Specialized security sources, such as Securitas Direct, also identify other tactics:
- Attack on poorly lit residences: Darkness provides cover and anonymity to burglars, who tend to choose access points where they can operate without being seen.
- Daytime robberies: Contrary to the idea that robberies mostly occur at night, many criminals take advantage of the absence of residents during working or school hours.
- Focus on small high-value items: Jewelry, money, watches, and small electronic devices are the preferred targets due to their ease of transport and conversion into cash.
- Markings on houses (signs): Some groups of burglars use codes (drawings or discreet words) on doors, walls, or mailboxes to communicate information about the residents' habits (e.g. absent in the morning, empty house) or specific vulnerabilities of the residence, thus coordinating future actions.
- Water method (mainly in apartments): Consists of pouring water under the entrance door. The goal is to prompt the occupants to open the door to check the source of the water, at which point the burglar forces entry.
- Use of frequency jammers: Devices that block communication signals from alarm systems (3G, Wi-Fi, radio frequency), allowing intruders to enter without triggering the alarm or communicating with the central monitoring station.
Typical Weak Points of Residences
Burglars' techniques are often successful because they exploit common vulnerabilities in the construction and habits of residents:
- Fragile or poorly protected doors and windows are open invitations. This includes doors that are not solid or are made of easily penetrable materials, poorly secured door frames, or hinges visible from the outside and easily removable. Easily accessible windows, such as those on the ground floor or balconies, without internal locks or other reinforcements, are also favored entry points.
- Inadequate locks are another critical vulnerability. "Normal" locks may have few different combinations, making them easier to manipulate, or be particularly susceptible to techniques like bumping, especially if they are older or low-quality models without specific protection.
Mailboxes with accumulated mail are a clear sign to burglars that residents are absent for an extended period, making the house a more attractive and lower-risk target. Similarly, poorly secured air conditioning units on facades can sometimes be removed, creating an unexpected point of entry.
Security failures by residents, often due to carelessness or ignorance, are also exploited. Insurance policies often exclude coverage in situations such as:
- Failure to replace locks after losing or having keys stolen.
- Leaving keys in accessible locations (under the doormat, in a plant pot), even temporarily.
- Leaving valuable items visible outside or in unlocked buildings or units.
- Garages and storage units that, although for exclusive use, are not completely closed off by doors or gates.
Finally, the presence of construction work on the site or scaffolding on neighboring buildings can facilitate access through climbing.
It is essential to understand that there is a direct and causal relationship between the methods used by burglars and the vulnerabilities of your home. Criminal tactics do not arise out of nowhere; they are developed to exploit specific weaknesses:
- The "kick in wooden doors" technique is only viable because many doors are, in fact, "fragile".
- Bumping specifically targets "low-quality or older locks".
- The accumulation of mail is an indicator exploited by those looking for unoccupied houses.
Knowing that burglaries happen is not enough; understanding how they happen is necessary to adequately protect yourself. The security solutions presented in the following section aim to neutralize these specific tactics and address these known vulnerabilities.
Fortress Sweet Home: Proactive Strategies to Protect Your Haven
Turning a house into a secure haven requires an approach that combines robust physical barriers, smart technology, and consistent preventive behaviors.
A. Physical Security:
The first line of defense against intruders is the physical integrity of the dwelling itself.
- Robust and Secure Doors: The front door is the main target for intruders, requiring a solid solution. Armored doors are a plus, being crucial to analyze the quality of the jamb (preferably steel or aluminum), the internal structure of the leaf (reinforced steel), and the locking system. According to European Standard ENV 1627-1630, for residential use, a minimum of Class 3 (resistant to crowbars) is recommended, or ideally, Class 4 (which also resists battery-powered tools). In addition to protection against break-ins, these doors offer better sound insulation and increased fire resistance.
- High Security Locks: A robust door should be complemented by a high-security lock, ideally with multiple locking points distributed vertically. Cylindrical locks are advanced, with an interior handle and exterior key, reinforced cylinders, and sometimes vertical bolts. More recent technologies include electronic locks (with access codes) and biometric locks (with fingerprint recognition). It is essential that the lock has anti-bumping protection, a common and silent breaking technique. Consultation with a specialist is advised to choose the most suitable one.
- Anti-Intrusion Windows: Windows, especially those easily accessible, are another critical security point. To make them anti-intrusion, several features can be incorporated: aluminum frames (durable and difficult to deform), multiple locking points, handles with integrated locks, reinforced hinges, and anti-lift blocks to prevent the leaf from being lifted. Security glass (laminated or tempered) and, for sliding systems, tubular bites that make glass removal difficult, are also essential. The PSP recommends the installation of internal locks on all vulnerable windows.
- Dissuasive Exterior Lighting: Darkness favors intruders, so strategic exterior lighting at entrances, side accesses, and garages is a powerful deterrent. Motion sensor lighting is particularly effective, as it surprises potential burglars and alerts residents. There are advanced systems on the market (such as ESYLUX, Televes, or Philips) with features like anti-vandalism protection, synchronized lighting, solar power, and variable intensity. The PSP itself confirms that visible security systems, such as lighting, discourage burglars.
- Other Physical Barriers: For houses, installing gates or gates on ramps and access stairs can make it difficult for intruders to approach. Considering bars on particularly vulnerable windows is a traditional measure that still maintains its effectiveness. Increasing the height of walls and gates can also contribute to a higher level of perimeter protection, as long as it complies with current legislation.
B. Technological Security:
Technology offers increasingly sophisticated tools to protect the home.
- Alarm Systems: A visible alarm system is a strong deterrent. Companies like NOS Securitas and Securitas Direct offer personalized solutions with permanent connection to a Central Receiving Center (CRA) that alerts the authorities. Features include control via mobile application, real-time notifications, wireless detectors (motion, opening, glass breakage), and Pet Friendly technology to avoid false alarms. They also offer protection against fires and floods and anti-tampering mechanisms, such as redundant power and communication sources. Securitas Direct stands out with technologies like PreSenseâ„¢ (AI to anticipate intrusions) and Sentinel (anti-frequency inhibitors).
- Video Surveillance (CCTV): Video surveillance offers continuous monitoring, deterrence, and useful records for police investigations. In Portugal, private installation must comply with data protection laws. Generally, it requires prior notification to the National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) and the placement of informative signage (Ordinance No. 273/2013). The owner is responsible for protecting the collected images, in accordance with current legislation (Law No. 67/98, amended by Law No. 103/2015).
- Home Automation for Security (Home Automation): Home automation is a powerful ally, especially through the simulation of presence, which programs lights and blinds to create the illusion of an inhabited house. Companies like Motorline provide automations for gates and windows that integrate into these systems. Remote control of access via mobile phone enhances security, allowing the management of devices, viewing cameras, and granting temporary access. Receiving alerts of suspicious activity on the smartphone effectively complements these solutions.
C. Behavioral and Procedural Security (Advice from PSP and Experts):
Technology and physical barriers are important, but their effectiveness is exponentially increased by consistent security behaviors and routines.
- Daily Routines: The PSP advises systematic checking of doors and windows before leaving home or going to bed. It is also crucial not to trust only in appearances (such as uniforms or good manners) of strangers knocking at the door; in case of doubt, one should verify their identity (for example, by contacting the company they claim to represent) before opening the door.
- During Prolonged Absences (Vacations): For periods of absence like vacations, there are several recommendations:
- Inform the police of your absence. The PSP, for example, offers an increased surveillance service for residences during the summer months (July to September), upon request.
- Ask a trusted person (neighbor, family member) to perform actions that simulate your presence (or through a home automation system): open and close blinds or curtains during the day, turn on some interior lighting at night, and, fundamentally, collect the mail to avoid its accumulation in the mailbox, a clear sign of an empty house.
- Store valuable items (jewelry, money, important documents) in a secure place, preferably outside the home (e.g. a bank safe) or, if not possible, in a well-hidden and difficult-to-access home safe. It is advisable to catalog (photograph, note serial numbers) the valuable items remaining in the residence.
- Avoid disclosing vacation plans or house absence on social networks or to strangers.
- Leave emergency contacts with the trusted person.
- If you have a second vehicle that will not be used, ask someone to move it occasionally.
- Before leaving, thoroughly check that all doors and windows are properly closed and if the alarm (if any) is activated. Upon return, carefully inspect for signs of break-in or disarray before entering. In case of suspected theft, it is crucial not to touch anything at the scene to preserve potential evidence and immediately contact the police authorities.
- Key Management: Never leave keys hidden outside the house (under mats, in pots, etc.), as these are places usually checked by burglars. In case of loss or theft of keys, it is imperative to immediately replace the locks or respective cylinders.
- Relationship with Neighbors: Maintaining a good relationship with neighbors can be an important security factor. Informing a trusted neighbor about absences and asking them to be alert to suspicious movements and, if possible, to note license plates of strange vehicles in the area, is a recommended practice.
- Other Precautions: Signs like "beware of the dog" (even if you don't have one) or security company signage can have a deterrent effect. Be alert to strange signs near the door or in the mailbox, as they may be codes of burglars, and report any suspicions to the authorities. Regarding the "water method," common in apartments, always check through the peephole or camera before opening the door if you notice water running underneath.
Effective residential protection does not depend on a single solution, but on an ecosystem where the physical, technological, and behavioral aspects reinforce each other. For example, a high-tech armored door (physical) loses effectiveness if a weak lock is used or if the resident forgets to lock it (behavioral). Similarly, a sophisticated alarm system (technological) can be neutralized if it does not have anti-jamming protection or if the owner, out of carelessness, does not activate it. The most robust approach is therefore comprehensive and layered, a vision advocated by both the PSP and specialized companies like Securitas Direct.
To assist in the practical implementation of these measures, the following table presents an essential checklist that can help you:
Table 2: Essential Preventive Residential Security Checklist
|
Frequency / Situation |
Preventive Measure |
|
Daily |
Are the doors and windows properly locked, especially at night and when leaving? Are the exterior lights (if programmed or sensor-activated) functional? Has the mail been collected from the mailbox? |
|
When Leaving Home |
Has the alarm system (if existing) been activated? Is the presence simulation (lights, blinds) programmed (for longer absences)? Has any neighbor been alerted (for short absences, if relevant)? |
|
Vacations / Extended Absences |
Has a comprehensive security plan been implemented (following advice from the PSP and experts)? Has the police been informed of the absence (if applicable)? Are valuable items stored in a secure place? Are social media not indicating the absence? |
|
Regular Maintenance |
Are locks, hinges, and latches of doors and windows periodically checked? Are alarm sensor batteries, remotes, and smoke detectors tested and replaced as needed? Is the alarm system tested? |
|
Key Strengthening Points |
Evaluate reinforcing doors (e.g. armored) and windows (e.g. safety glass, grilles). Install or upgrade to high-security locks (with anti-bumping protection). Use deterrent exterior lighting (with sensors). Consider installing an alarm system and/or video surveillance (CCTV). Adopt and maintain consistent security habits. |
Prevention is Better than Cure: How to Build a Protection Mentality
The saying "prevention is better than cure" applies perfectly to the security of your home, but faces barriers like "optimism bias" and the mentality of "it won't happen to me". Overcoming this complacency is the first step towards a safer home, understanding that investing in security is not pessimism, but rather realism, responsibility, and care for your family.
The cost analysis is a decisive argument. The proverb "after the house is robbed, locks on the door" focuses on the late cost, but the true damage of a theft transcends the material value. It encompasses the deep emotional impact — the fear, the violation of privacy, and the trauma — and the costs of repairs and bureaucracies. On the other hand, investing in preventive measures (whether an alarm, a high-security lock, or a reinforced door) may seem high initially. However, when compared to the devastating impact of a robbery, this preventive investment is wiser and more economical in the long run.
In addition to complacency, there are common mistakes and failures in preventive behavior that increase the vulnerability of residences:
- Neglect of Basic Measures: Leaving doors or windows unlocked, even for short periods, keeping spare keys in obvious outdoor locations, or not replacing locks after the loss or theft of keys are frequent oversights easily exploited by criminals.
- False Sense of Security: Excessively relying on a single security measure (for example, having a guard dog but neglecting the condition of the locks) or underestimating the cunning and determination of burglars can lead to a bad outcome.
- Procrastination: Delaying the installation of recommended security equipment or the adoption of stricter preventive habits is giving reason to the proverb that gives title to this article.
- Unawareness of Burglars' Techniques: Not being aware of methods such as bumping or the use of frequency jammers to neutralize alarms prevents the adoption of specific and effective countermeasures.
- Failure in Personal Risk Assessment: Many people do not critically analyze the vulnerabilities of their own home, neighborhood, or habits, which prevents them from prioritizing the most relevant security measures for their case.
It is, therefore, essential to conduct an informal "audit" of your home security, honestly identifying the weak points and areas that need improvement. Home security should not be seen as an expense, but as an investment in quality of life. Security is not a final state that is achieved and forgotten; it is a continuous process of vigilance, adaptation, and improvement in the face of new threats and vulnerabilities.
Conclusion: Don't Leave for Tomorrow the Security You Can Have Today
The central message sought to convey throughout this article is clear: prevention constitutes, and will always constitute, the most effective defense against the crime that threatens our home. The old saying "After the house is robbed, lock the door" serves as a constant reminder of our human tendency towards inaction, but it is not inevitable. We have the power to reverse this logic by proactively acting to protect what is most valuable to us. Statistics show that, although Portugal is a safe country, burglaries in homes and crimes against property continue to be a significant reality. Understanding the methods of burglars and the common vulnerabilities of homes is the first step in building an effective defense. Strategies to strengthen home security are diverse, encompassing physical improvements, the implementation of cutting-edge technology, and, crucially, the adoption of consistent preventive behaviors. The challenge lies in overcoming complacency, often fueled by optimism bias, and recognizing that investing in security is a direct investment in our peace of mind and the protection of our material and emotional assets. The costs of remedying the consequences of a burglary far exceed the effort and resources dedicated to prevention. Therefore, the final appeal is to action. I encourage you to review the measures discussed in this article and identify at least one or two concrete actions that you can implement in the short term to improve the security of your home. Whether it's reinforcing a lock, installing a motion sensor outside, or simply becoming more diligent with door and window checks, every step counts. Sharing this information with friends, family, and neighbors can also help spread a culture of prevention more widely in the community. After all, the peace of mind of a secure home is priceless. Together, may we rewrite the proverb, adopting a new maxim: "Lock the door before the house is robbed, and enjoy your security and peace of mind."