LOS ANGELES, CA -- 07/31/07 --
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
numbers 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Keep the exterior of your home and yard well lit with low-wattage
outdoor lighting.
4. Close and lock the garage door. Side garage doors should be solid,
without any glass and equipped with a strong deadbolt.
5. Don't advertise that you are 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 are away and tempt a thief to
steal your identity.
6. Use automatic timers with inside lamps and a radio. Set them to come on
at random times.
7. Remove spare keys from outside your home, especially near the front door
or under a welcome mat.
8. Trim bushes in front of entrances, including windows. This eliminates a
burglar's ability to hide while breaking in.
9. 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.
10. If you have just moved into your home, change the front door lock.
11. 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.
12. 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 are away.
Contact:
Carol Thorp
Elaine Beno
714-885-2333
