With large numbers of families taking summer road trips this year, homeowners may be asking themselves what they can to do deter home break-ins before leaving on vacation. The greatest numbers of home burglaries occur during summer – in July and August – since families are away or enjoying greater amounts of time outdoors, according to insurance industry facts and statistics. Homes are burglarized about every 12 seconds and a homeowner loses an average of more than $2,000 in possessions and damages, according to the U.S. Dept. of Justice.
More than 9 million burglaries take place annually, with losses of more than $4.6 billion, according to nationwide FBI crime statistics. Burglary offenses increased 1.2 percent in cities with a population of 50,000 to 100,000, which is the largest increase reported within city groupings, according to crime statistics. Burglaries increased 1.0 percent in non-metropolitan counties. However, overall property crimes are down 2.7 percent since 2009.
“Residential homeowners and renters can deter the opportunistic home burglar by taking security precautions during summer months when homeowners travel on vacation,” according to David Womble, group manager of homeowners claims for the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club.
“Locking and preventing doors and windows from being opened 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. Home security systems also can be a theft deterrent. They can be installed through independent companies.
The Auto Club’s tips to help prevent home burglaries are:
1. Never announce your vacation plans on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or personal blogs.
2. Lock 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.
3. If possible, install a monitored alarm system in your home. You may be eligible for a discount on your insurance premium 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.
4. Keep the exterior of your home and yard well lit with low-wattage outdoor lighting.
5. Close and lock the garage door. Side garage doors should be solid, without any glass and equipped with a strong deadbolt.
6. 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. Don’t let newspapers, even free local papers, pile up in driveways.
7. Use automatic timers with inside lamps and a radio. Set them to come on at random times.
8. Remove spare keys from outside your home, especially near the front door or under a welcome mat.
9. Trim bushes in front of entrances, including windows. This eliminates a burglar’s ability to hide while breaking in.
10. 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.
11. If you’ve just moved into your home, change the front door lock.
12. 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.
13. 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.