Is your doormat looking oddly flipped, or is there a mysterious piece of white paper peeking out from your mailbox? Believe it or not, you might be the next star in a burglars little experiment. Criminals are getting creative and its high time to match their game with smart, simple countermeasures. Ready to make your home less inviting—to burglars?
The Latest Trends: Paper and Doormat Sleuthing
Burglaries are getting a 2024 update and—spoiler alert—it involves neither balaclavas nor Mission Impossible gadgets. Instead, some would-be intruders have taken a liking to mundane objects like white A4 paper and even biscuits. Yes, biscuits! Heres how it works: a burglar places an inconspicuous slip of paper sticking out slightly from your mailbox. If, after a few days, that paper remains untouched, its their green light. An empty house means easy pickings. This trend has been popping up in several regions recently, prompting the national police to call for greater vigilance.
The mailbox method isnt the only trick up their thieving sleeves. Some opt for flipping the doormat instead. If you dont put it back in place after a few days, thats a strong indication that you (and your trusty shoes) are elsewhere. There are even reports of burglars slipping a biscuit under a doormat—because if its not crushed underfoot, it tells crooks your entryway hasnt seen life for a while. Who knew a cookie could serve as a security hazard?
Outsmarting the New Tactics
With criminals relying on such subtle cues, vigilance and teamwork are your best bet. Heres what you can do:
- If you spot a mysterious white sheet sticking out from your mailbox (or your neighbors), remove it. Dont just brush it off and move on. You should also call 17 to report it. That tiny act could save your belongings or those of your community.
- If you catch your doormat in an odd position or find a random biscuit where no biscuit should ever be, reset things to normal and keep an eye out for other unusual details. Every little bit of vigilance helps to protect your surroundings.
Fake It So You Make It (Home Safe)
Burglars are looking for homes that look empty and unloved. If you want your house to be as unattractive to them as a broccoli smoothie, use these tricks:
- Simulate presence: Smart tools are your best friends. Schedule your lights and radio to turn on at night. Operate shutters so it seems someone—maybe a night owl, maybe not—is always home.
- Neighborly help: A good neighbor is worth more than a camera. Ask someone nearby to pick up your mail, take out and bring in your bins, and keep an eye out for anything off. If the white paper scam comes to your door, youll want someone there to nip it in the bud.
- No holiday spoilers online: Tempted to post sandy beach photos while youre away? Resist! Announcing your vacation on social media is basically an open house invitation for burglars. Some even hunt for people on holiday by searching certain keywords—dont let your tan lines lead to empty shelves.
Operation Tranquility: The Ultimate Safety Net
For those who want an extra layer of reassurance (and it doesnt cost a dime), theres Operation Tranquillite Vacances. This service lets you sign up either online or directly at your local police or gendarmerie station with some ID and a proof of residence. Patrols will then keep an eye (sometimes two, depending on how much coffee theyve had) on your home day and night, at varying times, every single day. Theyll check for signs of break-ins and ward off intruders, providing peace of mind whether youre sunbathing or dog-sitting far from home.
If someone will be dropping by to feed a pet, you can share that info too, so your friendly house-sitter doesnt accidentally get mistaken for a burglar. Operation Tranquillite is available all year round, so youre never left without backup.
So next time you see something odd on your property, dont just laugh it off. With a mix of clever technology, trusted neighbors, and a solid dose of old-fashioned attention, you can outwit even the sneakiest of burglars. Who knew a piece of paper (or a biscuit!) could say so much about your home?
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
