In Germany, homes are broken into every six minutes, with electronics being the primary target. Last year, 90,000 burglaries were reported, maintaining nearly the same number as the previous year.
However, the average damage per break-in rose from €3,600 to €3,800. “Criminals take what’s easy to sell – primarily smartphones, cameras, and computers,” said Anja Käfer-Rorbach, head of the German Insurance Association (GDV). As a result, total insurance payouts for home burglaries increased by six percent in 2024, amounting to €350 million.
During the coronavirus pandemic, burglary rates dropped significantly, with 85,000 cases in 2020 and 70,000 the following year. However, home burglaries have risen for three consecutive years since then. On a positive note, the long-term trend shows improvement, with last year’s burglary numbers halved compared to 2015.
To protect your home from burglary, the GDV recommends securing windows and doors with additional measures such as bolt locks. Alarms and motion-sensor outdoor lighting can also enhance security, making such properties less appealing to thieves.
If a burglary does occur, property insurance (Hausratversicherung) can help recover the lost value. Approximately 76 percent of households in Germany have this type of coverage.
