Why apartments are a popular burglary target
Apartments continue to be one of the most common targets of burglars in Germany. The crime statistics paint a clear picture: around 80 percent of all domestic burglaries take place via doors and windows – often in ground-floor apartments accessible from the street or via easily accessible back courtyards. Offenders exploit unsecured access points, brief absences and a lack of visibility to break into living spaces within just a few minutes.
Particularly alarming: many apartment residents lull themselves into a false sense of security because they live in a multi-storey building. Yet in larger residential complexes, burglars make use of the anonymity. Front doors are often not properly locked, doorbells can be tricked, and in multi-storey buildings there is often a lack of oversight as to who comes and goes. The good news: with modern security solutions you can effectively protect your apartment – regardless of whether you rent or own it.
Rented flat vs. owned home – different possibilities
The key difference in securing an apartment lies in the ownership situation. As an owner you have full creative freedom: you may replace lock cylinders, fit security fittings, upgrade windows and have hard-wired alarm systems installed. The picture is different for tenants – here clear legal limits apply.
Rights and duties as a tenant
In principle, as a tenant you are permitted to carry out measures that do not constitute structural alterations to the building fabric. Wireless alarm systems attached with adhesive pads or magnetic holders generally do not fall under structural alterations requiring approval. For the replacement of lock cylinders or the installation of additional locks, however, it is advisable to obtain the landlord’s consent in advance. Important: keep the original cylinder safe and reinstall it when you move out.
Incidentally, many landlords are more receptive than one might assume. Security measures increase the value of the property and reduce the risk of damage – an argument that often convinces landlords. Present your landlord with a concrete concept and explain which measures can be removed without leaving residues.
Freedoms as an owner
As an owner you can implement comprehensive security concepts: from retrofitting mechanical window security and the installation of professional alarm systems to the deployment of video surveillance and smart home automation. Particularly in the case of owned flats in multi-dwelling buildings, it is worth discussing central security measures such as a video intercom system or an access control system together with the owners’ association.
Have a professional security analysis carried out. This identifies vulnerabilities and recommends individual measures – tailored to your living situation and budget.
Door reinforcement – the first line of defence
The apartment door is the primary access point and therefore the most important component of your security concept. According to the German police crime prevention service, around a third of all apartment burglaries are committed via the entrance door – often simply by prising it open with a screwdriver. Even basic measures can significantly improve security.
The lock cylinder is the heart of door security. Look for models with drilling and picking protection in accordance with DIN 18252 (a German standard). A profile cylinder in class BZ/K should avoid protruding cylinder parts, since these can be snapped off. An additional protective fitting according to DIN 18257 (a German standard) covers the cylinder and prevents it from being turned or pulled out.
For enhanced protection we recommend a cross-bar lock (also known as a security bar). This locks the door on both the lock side and the hinge side simultaneously, making it virtually impossible to prise open. Quality models from leading manufacturers achieve resistance classes up to RC2 – a significant obstacle for opportunist offenders.
In addition, door viewers and door chains render valuable service. Modern digital door viewers with a display allow you to identify visitors without opening the door – particularly useful for older occupants. Professional intrusion protection systems complement mechanical measures with electronic detection and ensure seamless security.
Window security – weak point number one on the ground floor
Windows are the preferred entry target for burglars, especially in ground-floor apartments. Standard windows without additional security can be prised open in seconds – often without making any notable noise. This applies particularly to tilted windows, which for experienced burglars are effectively open windows.
Mechanical window security
Lockable window handles are the simplest and most cost-effective measure. They prevent the window from being opened from outside, even if the pane has been broken. Installation is completed in just a few minutes and is also suitable for rented flats.
Screw-on locks (also known as window additional locks) are fitted on the handle side of the window and provide significant resistance to being prised open. For optimum protection, the police recommend at least one lock per window side. On floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors, two locks per side should even be provided.
Mushroom-head locking points offer the highest level of mechanical protection and are already installed as standard on many modern windows. If your windows do not offer this protection, retrofitting is possible – although this should be carried out by a specialist firm.
Electronic window sensors
Modern wireless window sensors detect the opening of a window in real time and immediately trigger an alarm. They are attached via magnetic contact and report back to the alarm control panel via encrypted radio protocols. In combination with shock sensors, even the attempt to prise open a window is detected – before the burglar even reaches the interior.
Statistics show that ground-floor apartments are around three times more often affected by burglaries than apartments on higher floors. Invest particularly here in mechanical and electronic window security, above all on sides away from the street and on windows concealed by bushes or walls.
Wireless alarm systems – ideal for tenants
The revolution in security technology for apartments is wireless alarm systems. Where complex cabling that required intervention in the building fabric was once necessary, modern systems rely on radio technology. This makes them the ideal solution for rented flats: the components are attached with adhesive pads or magnetic holders and can be removed without residues during a move and reused at the new address.
Professional wireless alarm systems use encrypted protocols with a range of up to 2,000 metres in open ground. Communication between sensors and the control panel is bidirectional: every component regularly reports its status, and the control panel detects immediately if a sensor is tampered with or jammed. Anti-jamming technology also protects against sabotage via jammers.
A typical apartment security system comprises the following components:
- Control panel (hub): the heart of the system, connected via Ethernet and GSM/LTE as backup
- Door/window contacts: magnetic sensors that detect the opening of access points
- Motion detectors: PIR sensors with pet immunity for pet owners
- Indoor siren: acoustic deterrent with up to 105 dB
- Keypad or remote control: convenient arming when leaving the apartment
The entire installation in an average apartment takes around two to three hours and does not require drilling, screws or cable ducts. Learn more about the possibilities of modern wireless systems on our page for residential clients.
Smart locks and digital access control
Smart locks – intelligent door locks – are an attractive alternative to traditional keys, gaining in importance especially in apartments. They enable unlocking via smartphone app, PIN code or fingerprint, offering a high level of comfort and security.
The advantage for apartment owners and tenants is obvious: no more lost keys, no expensive replacement of locking systems, and the ability to grant temporary access rights to visitors, tradespeople or cleaners. Modern smart locks are simply fitted onto the existing lock cylinder and are therefore also suitable for rented flats.
When choosing a smart lock, encryption quality is essential. Look for AES-128 or AES-256 encryption and certification according to DIN EN 15684 (a European standard). In addition, the smart lock should be operable from outside with a mechanical emergency key even when the battery is flat or during a power failure. In combination with an alarm system, the smart lock becomes an integral part of your security concept: when you leave the apartment, it locks automatically and the alarm system is armed at the same time.
App-based monitoring when on the go
Modern security systems offer comprehensive control and monitoring via smartphone app. This means: you keep an eye on your apartment at all times – whether at work, on holiday or on the move. Push notifications inform you in real time about any incident: from an opened window to a triggered motion detector.
Particularly powerful apps offer additional functions such as:
- Real-time photo verification: in the event of an alarm, photos are taken automatically and sent to your smartphone
- Scenario control: when leaving the apartment, the alarm, lighting and heating are adjusted automatically
- Access log: overview of who entered or left the apartment and when
- Panic button: in an emergency, a single tap is enough to alert the monitoring centre
- Remote control: arming and disarming remotely – practical when you want to grant guests access
The app-based monitoring does not replace the professional monitoring centre connection but complements it. While the app informs you personally, the monitoring centre ensures that the right steps are taken in an emergency – even if you are not reachable.
Neighbourhood cooperation as a protective factor
Technical measures are essential – yet one of the most effective protective factors is often free: attentive neighbours. Studies by the German police crime prevention service show that a functioning neighbourhood watch significantly reduces the risk of burglary. Burglars avoid environments where they could be observed.
Speak with your neighbours about mutual attentiveness. Agree that during longer absences the postbox will be emptied, the roller shutters moved and the light switched on and off from time to time. Exchange telephone numbers and inform one another about suspicious observations.
In many municipalities there are also organised neighbourhood watches or police prevention initiatives. Enquire at your local police station about current offers. The “K-Einbruch” initiative provides comprehensive information and checklists that you can use together with your neighbours.
Contents insurance and intrusion protection
Contents insurance is recommended for every apartment occupant – it covers damage from burglary, vandalism and robbery. But caution: the insurer may cut benefits in cases of gross negligence. Anyone who leaves windows tilted open or does not lock the door risks a reduction in payout in the event of a claim.
Conversely, many insurers reward demonstrable intrusion protection with reduced premiums. An alarm system certified to VdS (German certification body) or EN 50131 (European standard) can lead to discounts of 10 to 25 percent – an investment that pays off twice over. The German Insurance Association (GDV) recommends a combination of mechanical protection and electronic monitoring.
Document your valuables photographically and keep purchase receipts in digital form. In the event of a claim this considerably eases the settlement process. Draw up an inventory list with photos and serial numbers – many insurers offer their own apps for this.
Checklist: securing your apartment in 10 steps
With the following measures you create a solid security foundation for your apartment – regardless of whether you are a tenant or an owner:
- Check lock cylinders: replace old cylinders with models that offer drilling and picking protection.
- Fit a protective fitting: cover the cylinder with a fitting compliant with DIN 18257.
- Secure window handles: install lockable window handles on all ground-floor windows.
- Install additional locks: a cross-bar lock on the apartment door significantly increases resistance.
- Install a wireless alarm system: choose a professional system with monitoring centre connection.
- Involve neighbours: agree on mutual attentiveness and exchange contact details.
- Simulate presence: use timers or smart lighting when absent.
- Close windows and doors: never leave the apartment with tilted windows.
- Check contents insurance: make sure your policy covers burglary theft.
- Have a security analysis carried out: a professional walk-through uncovers individual vulnerabilities.
Securing your apartment does not have to be expensive. With a budget of just a few hundred euros the most important weak points can be eliminated. For a comprehensive solution with a professional alarm system and monitoring centre connection, we will gladly advise you individually. If you own a single-family house, you will find further information in our guide on securing a single-family house.
“Security does not begin with technology – it begins with the awareness that every apartment can be a potential target. The right combination of mechanical protection, electronic surveillance and attentive neighbours makes the difference.”
