A decline in the economy usually means a rise in crime. Take proactive measures to prevent homeowners insurance losses by safeguarding your possessions from potential burglars. Documentation is crucial when trying to recover the value of property losses. Take pictures or video personal property, noting the make, model and serial number. Keep this documentation, along with receipts and proof of purchase, in a safe place. This information is crucial not only for insurance reimbursement, but also for police to identify the stolen property.
The risk of being burglarized can be greatly reduced by taking simple steps to make your home more difficult to enter and less enticing to would be burglars. Implement the three greatest weapons to prevent burglary – noise, time and light.
Noise:
- A loud television or radio serve as a great deterrent.
- Dogs create a disturbance burglars would prefer to avoid. Post a beware of dog sign, even if you do not have one.
- Install an alarm system that will alert neighbors of a burglars presence. This can also often get a discount on your homeowners insurance.
Time:
- Make it time consuming for a burglar to enter your home
- Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
- Install double key locks on all doors with glass
- Place additional locks on sliding glass doors. Consider placing a wooden pole in the track of a sliding glass door.
Light:
- Keep the exterior of your home well lighted. Consider installing motion sensor lighting.
- Use automatic light timers to activate inside lights when no one is home.
- Trim trees and shrubs around doors and window so burglars can’t hide in the shadows