submitted by Jeff Sawyer, Agent, State Farm Insurance Companies, Morrisville and Bensalem
A home burglary can happen anywhere, whether you live in a house, a condominium or an apartment, in the city, suburbs or a rural area. In fact, over 4,500 home burglaries occur daily in the U.S. Don’t let your home become another statistic.
Even if you’re not there when it happens, a break in can permanently shatter your feeling of security at home. Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions could dramatically reduce the risks of an invader gaining access to your home and keep your home or apartment in tip top shape.
Believe it or not, it’s often the simplest and most obvious precautions that homeowners tend to forget and which burglars tend to exploit. Maybe you’ve lived on the same street for decades and doubt it could ever happen to you. Maybe you’re in a rush and skip the usual routine.
How to protect your home from burglary:
- Do not have money or jewelry lying out in view from a window. Consider purchasing two fire-resistant safes: One for your valuables and one for important documents and data. To protect your safes from theft, bolt them to the floor.
- Don’t tell strangers your daily routines, and avoid telling others about the valuables in your home. If you’re at home working outside, leave all other doors that are out of sight locked.
- Don’t leave tools or ladders in your yard. Burglars may use them to gain access into your home.
- Be wary about posting your vacation plans and updates on social media websites – even though you trust your friends, you never know who might learn that you’re not home.
- If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as not talking with strangers about their home, its contents or family schedules.
- Keep a detailed inventory of your valuables, including the date of purchase, price paid and serial numbers.
PHOTO CAP: The Sawyer Agency Team is available to assist with loss prevention tips