While crooks and thieves use their creativity to commit their misdeeds, so do residents seeking to protect themselves and their homes. One technique in particular is becoming increasingly popular, even if its effectiveness is disputed.
In France, burglaries have increased in recent years, as shown by the “Insecurity and delinquency” statistical report (+11% in 2022 compared with 2021, +3% in 2023 compared with 2022). In 2023, 217,000 homes, both primary and secondary, were burgled, which is equivalent to 595 burglaries per day, or one every 2 minutes and 25 seconds.
A huge ratio, which naturally reinforces the fight against this type of crime with the influx of companies in the security sector. However, not everyone can afford a video surveillance and alarm system so that they can leave their home with peace of mind. So some people are exploring alternative solutions to protect themselves against burglary. Among them is a trick that is becoming increasingly common and viral on social networks, especially as it requires nothing more than a simple object that is already used in many ways on a daily basis.
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This method involves wrapping the door handle in aluminium foil. It’s an idea that doesn’t look like much, but has its origins in painting.
A method of questionable effectiveness Using aluminium foil to protect door handles helps to keep them clean and free of paint when repainting a room. However, is this technique really effective when it comes to burglaries, as can be seen in certain videos on social networks?
The reality is quite different, because rolling up your aluminium door handle does nothing to make your home more secure. In fact, this so-called trick is the result of an advertisement about how to paint doors without dirtying the handles, without any concept of anti-theft.
However, this method could allow you to tell if someone has tried to break into your home, like a fine wire stuck in a closed door. So, if the foil has been crumpled or if you hear the sound of aluminium foil at your door, it means that someone has tried or is trying to break into your home.
Home Locksmiths warn that this habit with your front door is actually a very bad idea.
Some people also believe that the presence of aluminium foil makes it difficult to pick locks. On the other hand, a determined burglar will certainly not stop at this simple addition that he can remove himself.
In fact, there are many other ways of protecting yourself more effectively that have already proved their worth. For example, you can install an intelligent doorbell that allows you to monitor your entrance remotely, or programme your lights to come on automatically, creating the illusion of a presence in the house to deter a burglar.
