As summer holidays reach their peak, worries about home security while away increase. Each year, tens of thousands of Belgian households become victims of burglary or an attempt, often during a prolonged absence.
A recent simple yet clever burglary in Schaerbeek illustrates the issue.
During the owners' absence, two individuals placed a bottle of Fanta outside the house to see if anyone was home. When the bottle remained untouched for hours, they broke in through the roof, stealing electronics and jewellery.
The incident was caught on security cameras, allowing the police to respond swiftly. Although the stolen goods were not very valuable, the residents reported the emotional impact of the intrusion.
Such cases are not isolated. According to police figures, more than 38,000 burglaries or attempted burglaries were recorded in Belgium in 2023. Despite this, many households still take minimal precautions before going on holiday.
A survey commissioned by security provider Verisure and conducted by Dedicated in March 2025 found that 28% of Belgians have experienced a burglary while they were away. Among those affected, more than half (51%) either interrupted their holiday or considered doing so. In Brussels, that number rises to 87%.
66% of respondents said they did not fully enjoy their holiday due to worries about their home's safety. However, only 32% reported having an alarm system, and 15% said they take no security measures at all before leaving. Most rely on informal networks: 50% trust family or friends to watch over the property, and 34% depend on neighbours.
Cunning tactics
Whether opportunistic or organised, burglars often rely on low-tech yet effective strategies, the Fanta bottle is a simple technique yet effective to identify an empty home.
Douglas, manager of One Secure, a security company based in Watermael-Boitsfort, is familiar with the techniques. "Most burglars are someone with a screwdriver or hammer trying to make €500 to €1,000 in three minutes," he tells Sudinfo.
One of the most common techniques is repérage (scouting homes in advance). Small pieces of paper are placed between doorframes across a neighbourhood. "If they’re still in place a week later, it means the doors haven’t been opened. The house is likely empty," Douglas explains.
The Fanta bottle method, seen in Schaerbeek, works similarly. Other scouting methods involve repeated evening walks through unfamiliar neighbourhoods (sometimes under the guise of dog walking) to observe lighting patterns and daily routines. "People go to bed and come home at the same times. It becomes predictable." Douglas add.
The most direct approach is brute force: prying open doors or wooden windows using a crowbar or even both feet braced against a wall. Some use hand drills to bore holes into window frames, allowing them to manipulate internal handles with a wire.
In other cases, stealth is key. An old but still common trick is sliding a thin piece of plastic between a door and its frame to push back the lock, no damage, and no noise.
In urban areas, so-called "roof climbers" or monte-en-l’air gain access via balconies or rooftops, especially in apartment buildings.
Disguises are also used. "Someone in a reflective vest and helmet might pretend to be a municipal worker or internet technician," says Douglas. "Often, elderly residents open the door without hesitation. But the visitor is just there to assess the premises. In 99% of cases, seeing a security system will make them back off."
These imposters may also pose as police officers, charity workers or maintenance staff. The goal: gain trust to observe, or sometimes to grab items in plain sight. In other instances, they use false phone calls or fabricated appointments to lure residents out, for example, a fake delivery notice or municipal appointment.
"The aim is to ensure the house is empty for even an hour," Douglas says. One notorious case involved a public figure who mentioned on air that they were away. Burglars took note and acted immediately.
Some practical recommendations:
- Lock all doors and windows – a final check can prevent easy entry.
- Use timers for lights and devices to simulate occupancy.
- Register your absence with police via www.police-on-web.be.
- Be discreet on social media until you're home.
- Avoid obvious hiding places for spare keys.
- Ask a neighbour to monitor your home and collect post.
- Have someone move your car occasionally.
- Keep a record (photos and receipts) of valuable belongings.
Also, don’t forget non-burglary risks: unplug non-essential electronics, turn off gas where possible, and ensure smoke detectors are working.
Finally, it's important to note that 22% of burglary victims never report the incident to the police. The police stress that every report helps to map criminal patterns and improve response strategies.
Security isn't only about technology, it's about understanding habits, risks, and behaviours.
