Burglars target cellars and garages more often, strike by day

Residential burglaries across Austria fell by 1.5% last year to 6,828, while break-ins at cellar storage units and garages rose by nearly 8% to 10,139, ORF reported, citing the Interior Ministry.

Police say cellar storage units are often less secure and less frequently checked than homes, making it less likely that burglars will be seen.

Police have also noted a shift in when break-ins happen. Rather than targeting homes mainly in the early evening during the darker months, burglars are increasingly striking during the day, often around midday. Police say many people are away from home at those times, and that houses and flats that are difficult to see from outside are especially affected.

Police crime prevention expert Stefanie Berger recommends securing cellar units, garages and poorly visible parts of homes with sturdy doors and locks. She also urged neighbours to take suspicious activity seriously and report it to police, including during the day.