Burglary prevention in Amsterdam
Most burglaries are opportunistic — and you can take the opportunity away. With solid door hardware you make your home demonstrably safer.
Burglars choose the easiest door
A burglar wants to get in quickly and unseen. The longer a door offers resistance, the greater the chance they give up and move on. That's what burglary prevention is about: not making your home impregnable, but making it unattractive. Good door hardware is the foundation here — more effective than any camera.
What I look at in your home
During a prevention check I go along your exterior doors and assess four things. The cylinders: are they SKG-certified and do they not protrude? The door hardware: does it have anti-cylinder-pulling protection, the most underestimated weak spot? The locks themselves: does the door lock at several points or only in the middle? And the back doors and shed: often the forgotten entrance that burglars seek out.
You get honest advice on what's worthwhile for your home — and just as honestly what's unnecessary. No sales talk, but clear priorities and prices.
Effective measures at a glance
An SKG** or SKG*** cylinder with anti-pulling hardware together forms the strongest basis for any exterior door. A multi-point lock secures the door at the top, middle and bottom at the same time. Anti-burglary strips protect the gap between door and frame against prying. And a solid auxiliary lock considerably reinforces older front doors. I fit security locks from €149, including fitting and VAT.
Little effort, big difference
Besides good lock work, simple habits make the difference: always turn the door onto the deadbolt (a door that is merely pulled shut is no obstacle for a burglar), don't hang a spare key outside and, during longer absences, make the home look occupied. During my visit I'm happy to give tips that suit your situation.
A locksmith and your insurance
After a burglary or attempted burglary, many home contents and buildings insurance policies cover the cost of a locksmith and new door hardware, in full or in part. Whether that applies in your case depends on your policy and the situation, so I won't make a firm promise about it — but I do make sure you have everything you need to submit a clear claim.
You always receive a clear invoice stating the business name, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and VAT number, and a description of the work carried out and the materials fitted. On request I also note down what I find, so your insurer has a complete picture. After a burglary, always report it to the police first and keep any damaged parts — many insurers ask for this.
Frequently asked questions — burglary prevention Amsterdam
Will my insurance cover the cost of a locksmith?
After a burglary or attempted burglary, many insurers cover the cost of a locksmith and new door hardware, in full or in part. Whether that applies to you depends on your policy. I always provide a clear invoice with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and VAT number so you can submit it to your insurer; after a burglary, always report it to the police as well.
What does burglary-prevention advice cost?
If I combine the advice with a job, it's free of charge. For a separate prevention check at your home I agree a fixed amount with you in advance.
What is anti-cylinder-pulling protection and why does it matter?
Cylinder pulling is a common burglary method where the cylinder core is pulled out of the lock with tools. Hardware with anti-pulling protection blocks that method and is the most important upgrade for many homes.
Is SKG*** always necessary?
Not always. For most homes SKG** with anti-pulling hardware is an excellent basis. I mainly advise SKG*** for vulnerable situations, such as doors out of sight.
Do you also help with insurance requirements?
Yes. Some insurers set requirements for door hardware. I fit certified material and you receive a clear invoice with specifications.
Do you also do back doors, sheds and storage rooms?
Certainly. Those doors in particular are often the weak point. I assess all exterior doors and advise per door what makes sense.