Every summer, the Alpes-Maritimes records a rise of nearly 30% in burglaries compared to the rest of the year. With millions of tourists, a dense property market, and many homes left empty for weeks, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Monaco, Cagnes-sur-Mer and the surrounding communes are prime targets for burglars. SOS IT Services 06, local security expert, shares its tips for leaving with peace of mind this summer.
Understanding the profile of burglars in the 06
Summer burglaries in the Alpes-Maritimes are generally carried out by professionals who scout properties in advance. They observe habits, note permanently closed shutters, accumulating mail, lights that never come on. They primarily target detached houses with garden access, ground-floor apartments, and second homes in the coastal towns of Vallauris, Cagnes-sur-Mer or Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
The average break-in time is under 3 minutes. A burglar faced with a technical obstacle — alarm, reinforced lock, visible camera — gives up in 80% of cases. Visible deterrence remains the most effective weapon.
The security checklist before leaving
Before leaving your home in the 06
- Arm your alarm system and verify operation via the smartphone app
- Activate presence simulation (light timer, programmers)
- Close and lock all entry points: doors, windows, shutters, gate
- Leave no tools (ladder, crowbar) accessible from outside
- Stop mail redirection or ask a neighbour to collect it
- Unplug non-essential appliances and turn off the water supply
- Report your absence to the local police (the "Tranquillité Vacances" service)
- Do not post about your absence on social media
Technical solutions to secure your unoccupied home
Alarm with remote monitoring: active 24/7 protection
An intrusion alarm system coupled with remote monitoring is the most effective solution for holidaymakers in the 06. In the event of a trigger, a 24/7 monitoring centre carries out a verification (video or audio) then contacts defined numbers in priority order, and can request police intervention. You are instantly alerted on your smartphone wherever you are, whether sunbathing at Saint-Tropez or travelling in Asia.
CCTV: virtual presence
Well-positioned cameras — main entrance, garden, garage — play a dual role: visible deterrence for opportunistic burglars and evidence recording in the event of an incident. The systems we install in Nice, Grasse, Vence and Menton allow real-time remote viewing from your mobile app. Discover our residential CCTV offer.
Presence simulation: fooling would-be burglars
Presence simulation involves creating artificial signs of occupancy. Connected systems today allow realistic scenarios to be programmed: lights on and off at usual hours, shutters adjusted according to the weather, and the television switched on in the evening. These scenarios can be controlled remotely from your connected alarm app.
Warning about social media: Posting holiday photos in real time on Facebook or Instagram is the same as announcing your home is empty. Share them after you return home. This is one of the most frequently observed mistakes before les cambriolages dans les Alpes-Maritimes.
The "Tranquillité Vacances" service in the 06: an official tool often overlooked
Police stations and gendarmeries in the 06 department offer a free monitoring service for unoccupied homes on declaration. This scheme, active in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Menton and Grasse, allows patrols to pass regularly by your home during your absence. Go to your police station or gendarmerie one week before departure with identification and details of your property.
5 additional tips recommended by SOS IT Services 06
- Reinforce your locks with a quality A2P European cylinder before leaving
- Install security bars on windows accessible from outside
- Photograph your valuables and serial numbers to facilitate any police report
- Keep your important documents (insurance contracts, inventory) in a safe or encrypted online storage
- Check your home insurance policy: theft cover varies considerably between policies
SOS IT Services 06 responds quickly before the summer season for the installation or reinforcement of your security systems. Our technicians cover the entire department, from Monaco to Sophia Antipolis, including Vence, Vallauris, Saint-Laurent-du-Var and inland villages. Plan ahead: in June and July, our schedules fill up several weeks in advance.
Frequently asked questions: securing your home for the holidays in the 06
When should I install an alarm before the summer holidays on the Côte d'Azur?
We recommend contacting SOS IT Services 06 at least 3 weeks before your departure. This allows time for the free audit, ordering the right equipment, installation and training. In June-July, demand is high throughout the 06 department, so do not delardez pas.
Should I notify a trusted person when going on holiday in Nice?
Yes, having a trusted neighbour or relative remains a valuable complement to an alarm system. They can collect post, simulate occupancy and respond to a confirmed alert. With a smart alarm, you can grant them temporary access via your apption.
Est-ce que la police municipale de Nice ou Cannes surveille les logements en vacances ?
Yes, police stations and gendarmeries in the 06 offer a vacant property surveillance service on declaration ("Tranquillité Vacances"). This service, generally free of charge, can effectively complement your electronic security system. Contact your local police station.
Quelles sont les erreurs qui facilitent les cambriolages in the 06 ?
The main mistakes are: announcing your departure on social media, keeping shutters closed in an identical pattern, not collecting post, leaving ladders or tools accessible in the garden, and failing to protect secondary access points (cellar, garage, service door).
Partez en vacances l'esprit tranquille
Free audit before your departure. Alarm, CCTV, presence simulation: SOS IT Services 06 secures your home across the entire Côte d'Azur.