Modern technology can help prevent holiday break-ins

ORF reported that Innsbruck has recorded more attempted and completed burglaries than any other district in Tyrol over the past three years. Although the summer months are not the peak season for burglars, security measures before leaving for a holiday can still help prevent break-ins.

There were 456 burglaries in cellars and 230 in living areas in Innsbruck during the period, according to the report. The districts of Innsbruck-Land and Kufstein followed. The clearance rate for burglaries in living areas in Innsbruck was 22.4 percent in 2025, down from 35 percent in 2023.

May 2023 was the month with the most burglaries in Tyrol over the past three years. A total of 42 cellar burglaries were recorded that month, figures from the state criminal police prevention unit showed.

According to the Interior Ministry, burglaries most often take place on weekdays between 10am and 1pm, when many people are away from home.

Oswin Lechthaler, deputy head of the Tyrol state criminal police prevention unit, recommends three rules for protecting homes during holidays: avoid making the property look unoccupied, do not make it easy for offenders, and make it difficult for them to enter.

Signs of absence can include an overflowing letterbox, an uncut lawn or no lights in the evening. Residents should also avoid leaving ladders outside that could help burglars reach an upper floor, or hiding keys near the entrance.

Lechthaler also warned against leaving windows tilted open, high hedges and a lack of motion detectors. Roller shutters and lights operated by timers can improve security. He said a TV simulator could also be set to switch on at 8pm and off again at 1am.

Real security cameras can deter burglars as well, Lechthaler said. Unlike alarm systems, cameras do not suggest that there is a lot worth stealing inside. He also advised residents to speak to their neighbours before going on holiday and ask them to call police on 133 immediately if they suspect a break-in.