Israel Police Superintendent Lior Ozer, the deputy commander of the Bnei Brak station, warns that ganovim (thieves) take advantage of the bein hazmanim period. He provides a number of tips to help families avoid becoming victims.

In fact, Israel Police has released a special bulletin to the tzibur regarding bein hazmanim and the fact thieves view the period as a lucrative one. While tens of thousands of families head out to vacation, the thieves are busy robbing empty homes.

Ozer explained to Kikar Shabbos News “An investigation into a series of burglaries that occurred in Bnei Brak of late show the thieves did not have to work too hard to get into the homes”. He explained with a measure of surprise that in some cases, the keys to homes were left in electric cabinets.

He explains that no one should be leaving keys in electric cabinets, under door mates, or in a plant near the door. “Every rookie thief knows these tricks. If there is a need, leave the keys with a neighbor of relative” he adds.

He adds that all too often, entry to an apartment is gained via a window, and persons leaving their homes must lock windows, and those who do not have locks, should have them installed so each window is locked, including door to balconies.

Regarding one’s mailbox, a thief will usually check to determine if mail is being picked up so it is important to arrange for one’s mail to be taken on a regular basis when one is not at home.

Other suggestions given by Superintendent Ozer:
• Lights should turn on at night with a Shabbos clock
• Real valuables should not be left home if possible. If one is traveling for an extended period, one should take inventory of valuables before leaving
• While social media has become a vehicle to notify others and post photos, posting vacation photos is another means by which thieves can determine one is traveling.
• Neighbors play an important role to prevent burglaries by calling police and reporting anything suspicious, without hesitation.

Ozer explains the thieves will look for the easiest targets and sometimes, taking simply precautions can prevent one from falling victim to a burglary.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)