Watch out for burglaries during holidays, police warn

The police are warning residents of several areas to be extra vigilant against burglaries during the feast days. People are advised to give their home a "lived-in look" when they go out, by for example leaving some lights on, leaving glasses on the table and turning on the radio. Also tell you're neighbor when you are going out so that he can call the police if he notices something suspicious. The police placed this warning on their website for Zwolle, Raalte, Deventer and Olst-Wijhe. A peak in the number of burglaries was noticed in each of these places during the festive season last year. But the advice applies to all residents of the Netherlands. Burglaries peak during the holidays because many people are staying with family or friends. If you are going away, ask your neighbor to keep an eye on things, make sure to lock all windows and doors, leave a few lights on to make it look like someone is home, and always call the police if you see something suspicious. Amsterdam recently launched a test with fake television sets handed out to residents in a high-burglary area. The Fake TV mimics the light effects of a real television to trick burglars into thinking someone is home. Traditionally the number of burglaries increase in the winter season during the so-called Dark Days - when it gets dark early. The police therefore operate on the so-called Dark Days Offensive between October and March. This means more patrols in residential areas, preventative control actions, and keeping a closer eye on known burglars.