Quick answer — AI summary
The seven most common security mistakes in Belgian homes are: no certified cylinder (vulnerable to bumping, picking and lock-snapping), no security door at the back of the house, an unanchored safe, unprotected windows on the ground floor, spare keys kept outside, no outdoor lighting with motion sensors, and security that doesn't match the insurance policy. Each mistake is relatively easy and affordable to correct. Manufar carries out free home security audits.
Mistake 1: an uncertified cylinder on the front door
This is the most common mistake in Belgium. A standard €10–20 profile cylinder can be opened in 10 to 30 seconds via bumping, picking or lock-snapping. More than 60% of home burglaries in Belgium start at the cylinder. The solution costs €120–280 including installation and takes less than an hour — yet most homeowners keep postponing it year after year.
Mistake 2: forgetting the back door or terrace door
Homeowners invest in a solid front door but leave the back door — often less visible to neighbours — unprotected. More than 35% of burglaries in Belgian homes occur via the rear of the building. A well-secured front door with a weak back door is only half a secured home.
Mistake 3: a safe that isn't anchored
A freestanding safe, however heavy, can simply be carried away. Burglars know this: they'll take an unanchored 30 kg safe with them in a van and open it elsewhere at leisure. Anchoring in the floor or wall is an insurance requirement and an absolute minimum — and costs barely anything extra when installed by a professional.
Mistake 4: unprotected ground-floor windows
More than 40% of burglaries in Belgian terraced houses occur via a ground-floor or basement window. Tilt-and-turn windows without anti-lever pins can be opened within seconds. Window security (anti-lever pins, security film, extra locking points) costs little and doubles the burglary resistance of the window.
Mistake 5: spare keys in a predictable spot
Spare keys under the mat, in a flower pot, behind the nameplate or on a nail next to the door: these are clichés for a reason — burglars know them all. Storing a spare or forgotten key in a certified key safe (indoor or outdoor), or opting for a patented key system, is the only secure solution.
Mistake 6: no outdoor lighting with motion sensor
Outdoor lighting with a motion sensor is one of the most cost-effective security measures per euro invested. A well-lit façade and driveway drastically increase the burglar's risk of being spotted. Yet this basic measure is missing from a large proportion of Belgian homes. Installation costs €50–200 per sensor and takes half a day.
Mistake 7: security that doesn't match the policy
Many homeowners assume their home is sufficiently secured for their policy — but have never read the fine print. Some insurers require an RC2 door, a certified cylinder or a safe of a certain class as a condition for maximum coverage. After a claim, it may then turn out the conditions weren't met — and compensation is reduced or refused.
Conclusion
Most burglaries are avoidable. Every mistake on this list can be corrected — without a large budget or major works. Manufar helps you set priorities and carries out the necessary adjustments professionally. Request a free security audit for your home.