bouwtrant

Bouwtrant is a term used in the Netherlands to describe a criminal tactic in which a person or group pretends to be construction workers or tradespeople in order to gain access to a building and commit theft or other crimes. The word combines bouw (construction) and trant (manner, trick). The technique relies on social engineering, exploiting legitimate expectations that tradespeople may enter a home to perform work.

In practice, suspects may arrive in a company van, wear work clothes, display pretend identification, and claim to have noticed damage or to need access for measurements, estimates, or safety checks. They may ask to examine plumbing, electrical panels, or meters, or to carry out a so-called "quick fix." Once inside, they may search for valuables or create a distraction to enable accomplices to act. Some operators work in teams to appear legitimate or to press residents into accepting unnecessary services.

Prevention and response: Homeowners are advised to verify contractor identity independently, call the company using a number from a trusted source, and request formal identification and signage. Do not permit unfamiliar workers to enter the home alone, and avoid signing documents or allowing access to secure areas without confirming the work is legitimate. If in doubt, close and lock the door and contact local police or the company’s official line. Authorities consider bouwtrants a common form of burglary and urge standard home-security practices and critical scrutiny of unsolicited repair offers.