Home Security Basics in Greece: Simple Upgrades for Apartments and Rentals
Home security in Greece: focus on realistic risks
Whether you live in Greece or you’re staying in a short-term rental, home security is mostly about preventing easy entry and reducing the appeal of your space to opportunistic intruders. Most burglars prefer low effort and low visibility. Your job is to increase effort, increase visibility, and remove easy rewards.This guide focuses on practical steps that don’t require major renovations—ideal for apartments, older buildings, and rentals where your options may be limited.
Start with the basics: doors, locks, and habits
The front door is the primary barrier. Many security problems come down to routine.- Lock the door every time, even for quick errands. Don’t rely on a latch alone.
- Don’t leave keys in obvious places like under mats or planters.
- If your door has multiple locking points, use them.
- Close windows and balcony doors when you sleep or leave—even on higher floors.
If you’ve just moved in, consider rekeying the lock (owners) or requesting a lock change (renters) if you have concerns about how many copies exist.
Balconies and back access: the overlooked entry points
In many Greek apartments, balconies are part of daily life—and they can be a weak spot. Sliding doors, older latches, and open shutters can make entry easier than the front door.Practical improvements include:
- Use a secondary lock or a sliding-door bar to prevent forced opening.
- Close shutters when you’re away for extended periods, but avoid making the home look abandoned for weeks.
- Keep balcony furniture away from railings to reduce climbing assistance.
If you’re in a ground-floor or first-floor unit, treat windows like doors: lock them, and consider simple window alarms that don’t require wiring.
Lighting and visibility: inexpensive deterrence
Good lighting changes behavior. A well-lit entrance is a basic deterrent.- Use motion-sensor lights near entry points if possible (owners) or plug-in motion lights (renters).
- Use timer plugs for interior lamps so the home looks lived-in when you’re out in the evening.
- Avoid leaving curtains wide open with valuables visible from the street.
If your building has a shared entrance, report broken lights promptly. Burglars prefer dark, quiet access.
Building security: intercoms, shared doors, and neighbors
Apartment security is often collective. A strong lock on your door helps, but a propped-open building entrance can undo it.For more in-depth guides and related topics, be sure to check out our homepage where we cover a wide range of subjects.
- Don’t buzz in unknown visitors. Delivery confusion is a common social-engineering angle.
- Ensure the building door closes fully behind you; don’t assume someone else will do it.
- Get to know a neighbor. Even minimal familiarity increases watchfulness in the stairwell.
If you’re renting short-term, ask your host how entry is managed and whether the building has any known issues with access control.
Protecting valuables inside the home
Home security isn’t only about preventing entry; it’s also about limiting losses.- Use a small safe if provided. If not, keep valuables out of obvious drawers and bedside tables.
- Store passports, spare cards, and important documents in separate locations.
- Don’t leave high-value items in plain view near windows.
For longer stays, consider keeping a record of serial numbers and photos of valuable electronics for insurance or police reports.
Smart home options that work in rentals
You don’t need a full system to gain benefits. Rental-friendly tools include door/window contact alarms, portable cameras that don’t require drilling, and smart doorbells where permitted.If you use cameras, prioritize privacy and legality. Avoid pointing them into common areas where neighbors may be recorded without consent. Focus on your interior entryway or your own private balcony space.
Vacation and weekend travel: don’t advertise absence
Many burglaries are “absence-driven.” Keep your routine looking normal.- Use light timers and avoid posting real-time travel updates publicly.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail or flyers that signal you’re away.
- If you’ll be gone for a while, consider leaving a car in its usual spot or arranging periodic check-ins.
For short-term rentals, keep check-in details private. Avoid sharing door codes or lockbox locations outside your group.
If you suspect a break-in or return to an open door
Do not enter if you think someone may still be inside. Move to a safe place and call 112. If you’re sure the intruder is gone but entry is forced, avoid touching anything more than necessary. Photos of damage and missing items can help later, and it’s useful to preserve evidence.Inform your host/landlord and file a police report. If items were stolen, list them with as much detail as possible (brand, model, serial numbers, unique marks).