The Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department has reported a series of home burglaries in Rijeka, Čavle, and on the islands of Rab and Krk, offering residents a range of concrete tips to protect their property.
Between August 1 and 5, 2026, a total of nine burglaries into homes were recorded in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, confirmed the Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department. Of these, three were attempted burglaries, meaning the perpetrators did not manage to enter the premises or steal anything.
According to police information, the targets of the unknown perpetrators were residential buildings in several locations. Burglaries were reported in the very center of Rijeka, in the Trsat area, in the municipality of Čavle, as well as on the islands of Rab and Krk. From the completed burglaries, cash, jewelry, and watches were stolen, with the total material damage estimated at several tens of thousands of euros.
Police officers are undertaking intensive measures and actions aimed at finding the perpetrators and the stolen items. Alongside the investigation, the police have decided to publicly appeal to citizens and share a series of preventive tips to reduce the risk of future burglaries.
The Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department emphasizes the importance of quality mechanical and technical protection. Citizens are advised to install anti-burglary doors with multi-point locking systems and high-quality cylinders, as well as additional bolts on windows and balcony doors. Outdoor lighting with motion sensors in front of entrances and in yards can deter burglars who avoid well-lit areas. "Visibly installed cameras or stickers indicating that the property is under an alarm system act as a strong deterrent in themselves," the police state.
In addition to technical measures, everyday habits are crucial. Always lock the entrance door, even when stepping out briefly. Do not leave keys under doormats or in flower pots, as these are the first places burglars check. Do not open the door to strangers until you have verified their identity.
Given that the vacation season is in full swing, the police highlight several tips for those leaving their homes for extended periods. Ask a neighbor to empty the mailbox, as piled-up mail is a clear sign of absence. Do not lower all blinds completely, and avoid posting details about your trip on social media until you return. Store valuables such as cash, jewelry, and documents in a bank safe or another secure location.
The police particularly appeal for neighborly solidarity. Good neighborly relations are one of the best forms of prevention. They ask citizens to pay attention to suspicious individuals or vehicles that unusually circulate the neighborhood and to report such situations to the police without hesitation. As an additional tip, they recommend photographing valuable electronic devices and jewelry and noting down serial numbers, which significantly facilitates the search and identification of recovered items in case of theft.
