I don’t think anywhere in the Léman area is safe these days, so your warning is pertinent.

With so many people involved in the “Escalade” race, Geneva must have offered good pickings for thieves today, as will next weekend with the “Escalade” parties and procession.

Then we will have the Christmas and New Year festivities when lots of people are away from home, so we all need to take precautions and be very vigilant –

and take out good insurance coverage as well.

R.

Apparently a lot of burglaries occur around dusk. Police advise to leave lights on if you know you won't be coming home before it gets dark. 

But of course there's only so much one can do .

Perhaps a little radio next to the door, playing just loud enough to be heard by someone at the door.  The good thing about these home invasions is almost all of them seem to be burglaries, not robberies.

I

I bought one of these....works a treat - my neighbours have been burgled twice.

And here endeth today’s lesson in how not to love thy neighbour as thyself ?

Oops, fat finger slipped again.  “in” should read “on”.

Am having humble pie for supper.

Best to all, R.   

The apartment next to mine was broken into 2 days ago.

Happened in the middle of the day - around 15h.

A security bar may indeed be a good investment.

O

We have a security bar on our apartment. There are a couple of places on the door jamb where you see that someone has tried to wedge a screwdriver in next to the lock.

There is a half price offer on at the moment for security bars, (fully fitted) 

http://www.groupon.ch/deals/geneve/Serrurerie-Genevoise/31102817

The good thing about these home invasions is almost all of them seem to be burglaries, not robberies.

Don't be so impatient Richard.

As a general rule, theives don't want to stay in your house for long.  Just long enough to grab your money and small sellable items like jewellery or iPads.  Then they run quickly.

Leave some small change and fake jewllery by the front door, because often that's all they need before they run.  If they don't find money quickly they may turn your place upside down. 

If you have things you rarely use like some passports, credit cards or jewellery consider paying for a bank safety deposit box.

Leaving lights on, or a radio on can be a deterrant.  It makes the place seem occupied.  I heard some burglaries are occurring around 5:30 when its dark but the house lights have not yet been turned on meaning people are at work.