(LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2007) — Recent news reports about burglary theft rings and arrests of home burglars in the Southland last week may leave homeowners asking what they can to do deter home break-ins. The greatest number of home burglaries occur during July and August, according to insurance industry statistics.
More than 2.1 million burglaries take place annually, with more than 65 percent being home break-ins, according to a national insurance industry group. "Residential homeowners and renters can deter the opportunistic home burglar by taking security precautions during summer months when homeowners are away on vacation," according to David Womble, group manager of homeowners claims for the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club.
"Locking and preventing the opening of doors and windows is the most significant deterrent to home burglary," said Womble. "Most home burglaries result from thieves gaining entry through unlocked doors or unlocked windows. Using a deadbolt with a key lock on both sides of the door can stop many thieves."
Homeowners can also prevent easy access through sliding glass doors as well. Commercially available locks or placing a steel rod dowel in the inside door track channel can prevent an intruder from forcing the door open, according to Womble. Security systems also can be a theft deterrent and the Auto Club offers a substantial discount on the standard Brink's Home Security System through its Show Your Card & Save program.
The Auto Club's top 12 tips to help prevent home burglaries are:
- Always lock your doors. Secure all doors and windows before you leave. Use deadbolts, dowels, locking pins in sliding glass doors and windows to keep them from being pried open. Slowing down a would-be burglar will likely make them seek another home that's easier to break into.
- If possible, install a monitored alarm system in your home. You may be eligible for a reduction on your insurance rates after the system is installed. The Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club offers such a discount. Make sure your home insurance is up to date and provides adequate coverage if you own luxury goods, expensive jewelry and electronics. Check to see if you need an additional rider or floater insurance policy for those items from your Auto Club or other insurance representative.
- Keep the exterior of your home and yard well lit with low-wattage outdoor lighting.
- Close and lock the garage door. Side garage doors should be solid, without any glass and equipped with a strong deadbolt.
- Don't advertise that you're going out of town. Stop all deliveries, mail and newspapers, or ask a trustworthy neighbor or friend to pick them up for you. Don't let mail, including bank statements and credit card offers, sit in the mailbox to advertise you're away and tempt a thief to steal your identity.
- Use automatic timers with inside lamps and a radio. Set them to come on at random times.
- Remove spare keys from outside your home, especially near the front door or under a welcome mat.
- Trim bushes in front of entrances, including windows. This eliminates a burglar's ability to hide while breaking in.
- Keep some blinds up and curtains open to keep up normal appearances. Put away personal documents, and place critical documents in a safety deposit box or leave them with a relative. Hide expensive jewelry or place in a safety deposit box at your bank.
- If you've just moved into your home, change the front door lock.
- Many thefts are perpetrated by individuals who may have access to your home. If possible, conduct background checks and closely monitor those who may be working inside your residence.
- Neighborhood Watch programs are great deterrents. If your neighborhood doesn't have one, volunteer to start one with your local police department before leaving town or ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, one of the largest AAA affiliates, has served members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing and buying. Information about these products and services is available at www.AAA.com.
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