Burglary: Facts

In Germany, a burglary happens every 2 minutes. 4 times more than 30 years ago.

44 % of all people no longer feel safe enough and wish to have appropriate protection.

70 % of those, who have already been victims of a burglary, would like to have a burglar alarm immediately afterwards.

64 % of all burglaries happen during the day, 36 % at night.

"I’ve got nothing worth stealing"
Wrong. Almost everyone underestimates his valuables and hardly any burglar knows in advance, whether it will be worth it. And in the commercial sector, the damage, destruction or theft of your documents, business records, customer or patient details (personal computer) or of the furnishings (vandalism) could involve an interruption to business lasting weeks or months. A significant number of companies had to file for bankruptcy afterwards.

"If someone wants to break into my house, he’ll manage it anyway"
Wrong. Only very few burglars are well-equipped professionals. More than 90 % of burglary attempts stay attempts if a good alarm system in combination with mechanical protection (e.g. good door locks) has been installed.

"I’m insured so everything will be replaced"
Wrong. Many burglary victims were underinsured as they found out afterwards. Insurance only covers material damage. Insurance companies often only pay a part for cash, jewellery and other valuables; in addition, the maximum insurance sum is limited (take a look at your contract). Non-material valuables are never replaced.

"It won’t be that bad"
Wrong. Here’s a statement made by Prof. Max Hermanutz, Police College: "The psychological consequences after a house burglary are definitely not considered enough. Fear and a general feeling of insecurity often remain for months afterwards. The feeling of protection and safety that a home usually provides can often disappear after a burglary. The victims become conscious of their own vulnerability and for many of them, their quality of life deteriorates considerably. "

A burglary within one’s own four walls is a shock for many people. In the course of this, it is the invasion of privacy, the lost feeling of security or the serious psychological consequences that can emerge after a burglary, which bother some more than the actual material damage.

Psychological consequences
What many people don’t think about is the psychological consequences of a burglary. The destruction of their private sphere or the fear of a repeated burglary often become a nightmare for the victims. Many of the people concerned are hag-ridden; suffer from sleep disorders and nervousness.

The victims suffer for a long time
A study carried out by the criminologist Günther Deegener (Homburg/Saar) in 1996 shows that 70 % of the victims of robbery and burglaries suffered from considerable anxieties after the deed. 63,2 % complained about sleeping disorders and 47,4 % of the interviewed people reported headaches as well as gastro-intestinal disorders.