Tips to prevent home burglaries

Away for the Holidays?, by Response Insurance

Just about everyone looks forward to this time of year, including burglars. With many people away visiting friends or just out of the house shopping, there are many good prospects for break-ins. Experts agree that it is a vulnerable time for homeowners.
"People are busy and distracted," says Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "As they race out the door, they are not thinking about what they leave behind."
Palermo offered some tips to prevent home burglaries during the holidays:
• Examine the exterior of your house. Make sure all locked doors and windows fit tight. Check to see if there is any "wiggle room" that could give a thief enough space to jimmy something open. Walk around your whole property to ensure there is nothing that can be used to climb to upper floors.
Look in your windows to make sure blinds are positioned to screen the interior view but not closed completely. You may want to move any computers and TVs away from prying eyes. Never leave an "emergency key" hidden outside your house.
• Always leave your home in a secure state, regardless of the amount of time you expect to be away. A burglar watching your house is capable of taking what he wants in a few carefully planned moments.
• Installing a home-alarm system will give you protection and can give you a sense of calm and even a discount on your homeowner's insurance.
• Walk around the interior of your home and make a list of your major possessions. An easy way is to place valuables out on tables and videotape or photograph all furniture, paintings, and other possessions. Place the list, any photos or videos you took, and perhaps the valuables themselves in a safe, separate location.
• Tell a trusted neighbor on your block when you will be away. Activity or noise that might otherwise seem normal to them would be alarming if they knew you are away from home.
• Be sure your homeowner's insurance coverage reflects any improvements or purchases that have increased the value of your home or its contents since you got your homeowner's policy. The only thing worse than losing your possessions is not being sufficiently covered to recoup your losses.