As the last long weekend of the summer approaches, many families are looking forward to one more holiday hurrah away from home-and they're not the only ones. Thieves are just as excited for you to take a summer trip this Labour Day long weekend, leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins and theft-related crimes. The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is reminding homeowners and tenants to take precautions to protect your home and belongings before you head out.
According to BCAA, summer months are peak times for home break-ins with the majority of theft-related insurance claims occurring between July and September. Based on insurance claims made, the most common methods of entry are through open windows, doors, or patios.
BCAA claims data also shows during the summer, it's common for items to be stolen from sheds, garages and yards such as barbecue's and bikes. In any home break-in, thieves target items that are typically high-in-value, lightweight and portable which make them ideal for an easy cash sale. The ten most stolen items reported to BCAA's insurance claims department include: jewellery, digital cameras, home theatre equipment, iPods, CDs, DVDs, cash, gift certificates, video games, and computer equipment.
"Burglars target unoccupied homes that provide easy access to the house and low visibility," said Patricia Stirling, BCAA director of Insurance Underwriting. "These conditions are most common during the summer vacation period making many homes easy targets for thieves."
BCAA offers the following tips to help prevent burglars from breaking in while you're away on vacation:
Dos
Fool thieves by making your home look occupied at all times. Use light timers, or timers for the TV or a radio. Leave some curtains and blinds slightly open.
Consider installing an alarm and/or motion-sensor lights around your home. Alarm systems may save you money on your home insurance. Check with your insurance advisor for details.
Lower the volume of your phone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside. Hearing an unanswered phone or answering machine tells thieves you're not home.
Prevent easy access to your home. Ensure tools or ladders are stored away and keep the door between the garage and the house locked. Keep outside gates locked.
Store your valuables in a safety deposit box while you are gone. Hide identification and credit cards you don't use.
Ask a friend or neighbour to "house sit" or park in your driveway on occasion. Either stop delivery of your mail and newspaper, or have them collected daily.
Don'ts
Publicize your vacation plans on any social media forum or leave a message on your answering machine saying that you aren't at home.
Let newspapers and mail pile up or leave garbage cans out on the curb.
Leave a key hidden outside under a flower pot or window sill. Thieves know where to look.
Leave tools or ladders outside which can be used to gain access to your home.
How to make the claims process easier:
Keep proof of ownership for your personal belongings and store them in a safe place.
Keep an inventory of your items so you can easily recollect what you have. Or if you prefer, use a video camera to record items in each room - don't forget to open the cupboards and drawers to see what's inside! This helps determine what you have and the condition it is in.
-Submitted
