Theft Cases on the Rise: Preventing Theft This Holiday
Theft Statistics Show You Can Reduce Your Chances by Following These Tips
Theft statistics rise during the holidays according to law enforcement officials. State Farm Insurance claims that most thieves look for easy targets. By knowing this ahead of time, you can take steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft this year. Whether you are shopping at the mall or planning a 5 day ski trip to Tahoe, these 26 tips can help you prevent theft from happening to you.
26 Tips for preventing Theft
1. Car doors should always be locked, even when parked at home
2. Do not leave any valuable items in your car especially overnight
3. When unloading items from your car, don't leave your vehicle open while you take items in, leaving other items in the car for thieves to take
4. Park in a well lit area when shopping
5. When you are out shopping, hide valuables, even small ones
6. Do not let thieves know what you buy- do not put the boxes they came in out on the curb in plain sight with the trash and recycle. Break the boxes into small pieces and place in the bottom of the can
7. Don't let mail or papers stack up--stop mail and newspaper delivery while you are away
8. Let a neighbor know you will be gone and that there will be no one coming and going from your house
9. Ask a neighbor or friend to remove door hangers, business cards, or other advertising someone may leave on your doorstep
10. Ask your neighbor to bring your garbage cans in if you leave on trash collection day
11. Put lights on a timing system so the house does not stay dark.
12. Never open the door to strangers
13. Keep home doors and windows locked
14. Consider installing a home security system including a home security alarm
15. Don't leave a hidden key outside
16. Don't give keys to service people
17. Avoid bragging to others about valuables you own
18. Install exterior lighting
19. Record serial numbers and photograph household valuables
20. Always park your cars in the garage with the garage door shut to prevent anyone from observing your occupancy patterns
21. Place a radio or TV on a timer and the volume up load enough to be heard from outside
22. Lower the sound of your telephone ringer (or answering machines) so that it can't be heard from outside
23. Never leave notes on your door indicating you are gone
24. Have your home phone forward calls to your cell. Thieves will sometimes call your home to see if you are there
25. Do not invite strangers into your home, this includes uninvited carpet cleaning sales companies and cheery young magazine sales people who may be there to case the house
26. Be a good neighbor- watch your neighborhood and notify the police if you see something suspicious
Home burglaries and theft of your valuables can happen to the most prudent. Preventing theft can be just a matter of taking a few extra steps. Don't let thieves do their holiday shopping from your belongings by following these tips on reducing the odds that you will become a victim of theft this year.
Published by Laura Wrede
Laura Wrede is a full-time freelance writer and photographer in the San Francisco Bay area. She is available for writing and photo projects during 2012. Contact her for scheduling or more information at Laur... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentSave on Your Homeowners Insurance with Holiday Theft Prevention
by einsurance (E-Insure Services) December 4, 2009 6:31 AM
Don't let a Grinch steal your happy holidays. Keep your home and belongings safe. You'll have a merrier season and, since you won't have to file a claim, you may even save on your homeowners insurance policy, too.
Thieves aren't particularly ambitious but they are clever. They look for easy targets and fast hauls. Don't advertise that you are either.
Did you buy a new big screen TV to watch the holiday bowl games? Don't leave the packaging for that or any other big-ticket electronic item sitting around for curbside collection. Cut down the boxes and don't put them out until a few minutes before trash pick up. Naturally, you should shred all material with personal information on it.
Nothing says Christmas like a tree in the picture window surrounded by presents. It's a heartwarming sight for thieves, too. Draw the drapes when you're away from home.
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