The number of home break-ins fell last quarter when compared to the same period last year. According to Statistics Denmark, 9,673 burglaries happened in the third quarter of 2013, compared to 9,930 in 2012 – a drop of three percent.
The crime-prevention council, Det Kriminalpræventive Råd (DKR), said that although the numbers are promising, the risk of a home being burglarised in Denmark is still higher than it is in other EU countries.
“It is positive that fewer burglaries were committed, but they are down from a very high level, so there is a long way to go before we reach an acceptable amount in Denmark,” said DKR analyst Anne Lerche.
DKR project head Lone Harlev said that residents need to do more to burglar-proof their homes. She suggested improving windows, doors, lighting and locks, as well as neighbours working together to look after each others' homes.
“It’s easier to spot potential burglars when we are watching each other's homes and know who usually frequents the area,” said Harlev.
Harlev also cautioned against the temptation of buying stolen goods.
“Avoiding stolen goods is good burglary protection, if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.”
