A burglary is unauthorised entry into a building or onto a property, usually with the intention of committing theft or another offence. In criminal law a burglary counts as a serious violation of property rights, because security systems or mechanical barriers are typically overcome in the process. German law classifies it as an aggravated case of theft under § 243 of the Criminal Code (StGB).
The main objective of a burglary is normally the theft of valuables: cash, jewellery, electronics or other easily portable items. Burglary is a crime that affects private households and businesses alike, and it frequently causes considerable material and psychological harm to those affected.
This article deals with the offence itself. If you want to know how offenders operate, which targets they pick and how they can be recognised, see our companion article on how burglars work.
Typical burglary methods
Burglars use a range of techniques to get into houses and buildings:
Levering windows and doors: one of the most common techniques. Offenders use levers such as screwdrivers or crowbars to force poorly secured doors and windows. Older or inadequately secured frames are particularly at risk.
Picking or drilling locks: locks, and simple cylinder locks in particular, can often be overcome by lock picking or drilling. That does, however, require technical knowledge and specialised tools.
Breaking window panes: this method is often used where no security system responds to breaking glass. The offender breaks the pane in order to open the door or window from the inside.
Climbing in via balconies or basement windows: burglars look specifically for access points that are less visible or less well secured, such as balconies, patio doors or basement windows. These areas are frequently neglected and give offenders a weak point to work with.
Tampering with alarm systems: professional offenders in particular try to bypass or manipulate electronic security systems. They may use jammers to block radio alarms, or attempt to gain access via cabling.
Common targets
Burglars usually choose their targets according to the potential haul and the security measures in place. The most common targets are:
Private households: flats and houses are at the top of the list, especially during holidays or longer absences. Unsecured windows, patio doors and poorly lit areas are frequently exploited.
Commercial premises: shops, offices and warehouses are also popular targets, because expensive equipment, cash or other valuables are often kept there. Offenders look specifically for places that stand empty at night or are only minimally monitored.
Public buildings: schools, hospitals and other public institutions sometimes fall victim too, particularly where valuable equipment such as computers or medical devices can be found.
Vehicles and garages: in many cases vehicles and garages are affected as well. Cars, especially those with valuable loads or high-end technical equipment, are a preferred target.
Construction sites: building sites are frequent targets, because expensive materials, tools and machinery are stored there and are easy to sell on. At night and at weekends in particular, sites are unguarded and offer an opportunity to strike unnoticed. Securing them with mobile video surveillance, fencing or even guards on site is therefore decisive — see construction site security.
The phases of a burglary
A burglary usually runs through several phases, taking the offender from scouting the target through to escape:
Reconnaissance: before the burglary, the offender often surveys the target, looking for weak points such as unsecured windows or doors and noting the routine of residents or staff. Posts on social media, holiday photographs for instance, frequently attract attention.
Gaining access: in this phase the offender overcomes mechanical or electronic security in order to enter the building, either by force or using techniques such as lock picking.
Theft: once inside, the offender looks specifically for valuable items that are easy to carry — cash, jewellery, computers or other electronics.
Escape: once the theft is complete, the offender leaves as quickly as possible, often using an exit that was not disturbed on the way in, such as a rear or side door.
Burglary prevention
The best protection against burglary is prevention. A combination of mechanical and electronic measures makes an offender’s work considerably harder and prevents burglaries outright:
Mechanical measures: reinforced doors and windows, solid locks and additional bolts. Windows and doors that are not easily overlooked deserve particular attention.
Electronic security systems: alarm systems, surveillance cameras and motion detectors are effective ways of preventing a break-in, or of responding quickly if one occurs. Many modern systems also send real-time notifications to a smartphone app.
Lighting and smart home systems: a well-lit environment deters offenders. Smart lighting that switches on and off at varying times can create the impression that someone is at home.
Security services and guards: businesses frequently rely on professional providers who carry out regular patrols or monitor surveillance technology in real time — from property protection to a connected control centre.
Working with the neighbours: an attentive neighbour helps as well. Many burglaries are thwarted by people nearby who report suspicious activity.
Technology against burglary
Modern security technology offers a number of ways of preventing or detecting a break-in:
Video surveillance: cameras that record potential offenders act as a deterrent and help investigators afterwards. Modern systems often combine motion sensors with facial recognition. Remote video surveillance extends this to sites without staff on the ground.
Alarm systems with real-time notification: smart alarms notify the owner directly on a smartphone as soon as an attempt is detected. Many are connected to a security provider that intervenes immediately.
Smart door locks: electronic locks controlled by code, fingerprint or app offer a higher standard of security than conventional ones.
Surveillance robots: businesses increasingly use autonomous patrol robots that cover a site and report a potential break-in at once. They use sensors and cameras to scan their surroundings and identify suspicious activity.
What to do after a burglary
If a burglary has taken place, acting quickly and calmly matters. The most important steps:
Call the police: if you suspect or discover a break-in, call the police immediately — 110 in Germany. Give as much information as you can, without entering the building or the scene.
Do not enter or disturb the scene: avoid going in, so that traces relevant to the investigation are not destroyed. Leave windows, doors and anything that may have been touched exactly as they are.
Secure evidence and take photographs: once the police have been on site, photograph all damage and note the items stolen. This helps the investigation and matters for your insurance.
Inform your insurer: notify your household or business insurance without delay. Document every stolen or damaged item as precisely as possible, so the claim can be settled quickly.
Strengthen your security afterwards: a burglary usually exposes gaps that should be closed as quickly as possible — stronger doors and windows, an alarm system, or working with a security provider.
Burglary statistics and trends
The number of burglaries in Germany and Europe varies from year to year, with seasonal, social and economic factors all playing a part. Some relevant trends:
Figures for Germany: according to police crime statistics, burglary figures in Germany have been falling steadily for some years, attributable to stronger prevention and the use of modern security technology. Even so, tens of thousands of burglaries are still recorded annually, above all in larger cities.
Time of day and season: most burglaries take place during the dark winter months and frequently in the early evening, when it is already dark but many homes are still empty — so-called twilight burglaries. Numbers also rise during the summer holiday season, when many households stand empty.
Regional differences: in urban areas, and in conurbations in particular, burglary is more frequent than in the countryside. More affluent residential areas are at greater risk, though rural areas are by no means exempt.
The growing threat from organised gangs: an increasingly worrying trend is organised gangs that scout high-value targets deliberately and plan their work professionally. They often operate across borders and are especially hard to catch.
Legal consequences
Burglary is a serious offence and carries severe legal consequences. In Germany it is governed by §§ 243 and 244 of the Criminal Code.
Criminal consequences: a burglary can carry a custodial sentence of up to ten years, particularly where weapons were used or serious damage caused. The use of violence during the offence also leads to higher sentences.
Trespass and criminal damage: alongside the theft, a burglary may also constitute trespass (§ 123 StGB) and criminal damage (§ 303 StGB), which can increase the sentence further.
Civil claims by victims: beyond the criminal consequences, victims can bring civil claims for compensation for stolen or destroyed property. In many cases household insurance covers this, though the appropriate precautions must demonstrably have been in place.
Psychological consequences
Fear and a sense of insecurity: a burglary violates a person’s sense of safety. Victims frequently report sleep problems, anxiety, or the feeling of being watched.
Psychological support: many victims need support afterwards in order to process the experience. In Germany there are numerous counselling services and victim support organisations offering professional help.
Rebuilding a sense of security: an important step in recovery is restoring that sense of safety. Improving the security of the home, or installing modern surveillance, is part of that. Working with neighbours and the local community also helps people feel safer again.
Trends and developments
Security technology keeps developing in order to prevent burglaries more effectively. Some of the most important developments:
Artificial intelligence in security technology: AI-assisted systems are increasingly used to monitor and analyse security installations. They can recognise movement patterns and identify unusual behaviour, so a break-in can be prevented at an early stage.
Biometric access systems: systems based on fingerprints, facial recognition or iris scans offer a high standard of security. They are difficult to manipulate and are spreading through businesses and private homes alike.
Smart security technology: smart home devices such as intelligent locks, connected cameras and app-controlled alarms are a straightforward way of raising your own level of security. They allow remote access and direct notification of unusual activity.
Surveillance robots and drones: in businesses and on construction sites in particular, security providers increasingly use robots and drones to cover large areas and detect intruders. They work autonomously and report suspicious activity to the responsible officers in real time.
Integrating security systems: the future of security lies in comprehensive connection. Alarms, video surveillance, access control and emergency call solutions work together to provide complete cover. Connected systems can identify threats early and respond quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How can I best protect my home against burglary?
Mechanical measures such as reinforced doors and windows are a good first step. Electronic systems such as alarms and cameras add further protection. Smart alarms that connect to a smartphone and combine motion detection with video surveillance are particularly worth considering. Systems linked directly to a security provider add another layer. A combination of mechanical and electronic security is the most effective approach.
How can businesses protect their buildings against burglary?
Businesses should aim for comprehensive security combining electronic surveillance, access control and a professional security service. Regularly maintained alarm systems, video surveillance and secure locks matter most. It also helps to identify weak points through a professional security assessment.
How secure are warehouses and construction sites against burglary?
Warehouses and construction sites should be secured with mobile surveillance, motion detection and controlled access such as fencing or gates. Patrols by security officers, at night in particular, are a further measure that deters potential offenders.
What should you do if a burglary has occurred?
Notify the police immediately, and your security provider where you have one. It is important not to disturb any traces and to leave the scene untouched. Damage and stolen items should be documented and reported to your insurer quickly. A security assessment afterwards helps prevent a repeat.