The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports home burglary occurs in the United States every 13 seconds.  About thirty percent of these occur through an unlocked window or door.

There are numerous things a home owner can do to reduce his or her chance of being a victim of this unfortunate crime.  Many of these are common sense and some of them you might not have thought of!

• Keep your windows and doors locked, since burglars obviously prefer easy access.
• Install heavy-duty exterior doors.
• Safeguard doors with extra-long screws and high-quality door locks.
• Utilize a motion-sensing switch for your outdoor lights.
• Trim your shrubs and bushes so that windows and doors can easily be seen from the street.
• Ask for a crime assessment inspection of your home from your local police department. They are typically available free of charge.
• Keep your garage door closed, even when you are inside your residence.
• Utilize a property identification marking system for your valuable possessions.
• Store small valuables, such as rare coins and expensive jewelry (that you do not typically wear), in a safe deposit box at your bank.

We hope these suggestions are helpful!  And please remember to let your insurance agency know when you have installed a home burglary system.  You will receive a credit on your home insurance policy when this is utilized at your home.