An interview about Facebook and Burglars with private investigator Nikos Pelekasis, published in the Greek newspaper Dimokratia.
Everything is ready for the holidays. But what about the house? Is it left at the mercy of burglars?
With a few simple measures, we can make a potential burglary more difficult or even prevent it altogether.
After switching off at the main panel any utilities or electrical supplies that are not essential — because a fire can be even worse than a burglary — we can create the impression that someone is still at home by installing timers that switch lights on and off in different rooms at random times.
We raise the awnings and divert calls from our landline to our mobile phone.
It is also advisable to ask someone to collect any leaflets and mail that accumulate while we are away. Another measure is to install a small flashing LED near the door’s peephole, giving the impression that an alarm system is operating. Both this and the measures mentioned above involve very little expense.
Burglars, however, can be persistent and may find ways of discovering that we are away — not simply by ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door.
One major and reliable source of information for them is social media.
With 4,990 friends, who can really say that every profile on their friends list is genuine and that there are no fake profiles among them?
Our online friends watch us and read what we post.
I have personally seen several women on social media displaying their jewellery and possessions and explaining exactly what each item is.
Others show off their cars, motorcycles and photographs of their homes. Many respond publicly to invitations. There are also dozens of other pieces of information that can reveal details about our activities.
When we return, the house is… empty, and the victim is left wondering what happened.
Protecting our property is also our own responsibility, which means that we should take the necessary preventive measures.
There are security companies equipped with alarm monitoring centres that provide alarm systems through subscription services and notify us of any movement detected both inside and around our property.
In the event of a burglary, they notify the Police so that officers can respond.
However, when choosing a security company, we should make sure that it is properly licensed by the competent police authority.
Have a good holiday…
Nikolaos Pelekasis received training in Greece and abroad in matters of individual and group security and served in intelligence services.
About This Publication
This is an English translation of the original Greek-language interview published in the newspaper Dimokratia.
The text has been translated while preserving the content and meaning of the original publication. It reflects the security practices, technologies and circumstances discussed at the time it was originally published.
Certain technologies, security measures or practices referred to in the original interview may have evolved since its publication.
Current services provided by Nikos Pelekasis & Associates are conducted in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
For current guidance on burglary prevention and home security, readers can also consult the official advice provided by the Hellenic Police.
