It's the holiday season, but also burglary season: A good neighbor is always the best protection

It's the holiday season, but also burglary season when thieves choose their loot. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton has published advice for citizens on how to protect themselves from thieves.

"Before breaking into your apartment, a thief will follow you, check your phone number, or ring your doorbell pretending to look for someone, then apologize and act surprised that the person doesn't live there.

If you are leaving your apartment for a short while to visit a neighbor, friend, or family, do not leave windows or balcony doors open, as thieves skillfully use such opportunities, enter your apartment unnoticed, and in a very short time steal money, gold jewelry, weapons, or more valuable technical equipment," they state.

They advise citizens to install an alarm if they can, as it is an effective way to protect against burglary, but also fire and flood, as motion sensors are usually installed, as well as smoke or moisture sensors.

"Installing a camera allows for video surveillance and alerts of potential burglary attempts. Installing a fake camera will not fool a burglar. Installing a light timer can also be very useful, especially for motion-activated lighting.

If you are going on vacation, inform your neighbors about it; they will pay more attention to your apartment, and give one of your neighbors the key to your mailbox, because accumulated mail is an alarm for a burglar that no one is home during that period. Entrust all cash and gold jewelry to close relatives for safekeeping or store it in a bank vault. Photograph your jewelry and valuables for identification and easier recovery. Record the serial numbers of expensive technical equipment and weapons if you own them.

Do not lower the window blinds completely, as thieves monitor that too. If they notice that the blinds are down during the day, they will immediately conclude that no one is home," the police state.

Although we live in the era of social media, it is difficult to resist posting travel photos. However, thieves monitor that too.

"Do not post photos of valuable items and jewelry you have in your apartment or house online on social media. Do not leave objects near windows or doors that can be easily climbed to reach higher floors. If possible, install an additional auxiliary lock on your front door in addition to the main lock," they advise.

In case of a longer absence, it is useful to leave the key to your apartment or house to a trusted person who will occasionally check the premises.