Tips to Prevent Being A Victim of Burglary
Most burglaries are committed by individual's who are looking for anything they can convert into quick cash. The property taken most often is televisions, stereo's, jewelry, tools, guns, cash and anything else that is easy to obtain and easy to sell.
There are several things a person can do to eliminate the chances of becoming a victim of a burglary:
Vehicles. Never leave items in plain view inside your vehicle. If it's important to you, lock it in the trunk or at least hide it from view. If you car has an alarm system, use it. Never leave your windows down. It only takes a moment to reach in and grab something such as a purse or camera.
Home. Never leave your house unlocked even when you are at home. Some burglaries have occurred while the home owner is in another part of the house or outside in their back yard. Motion detector lighting may help to deter a would be burglar, as well as a factory alarm system. While on vacation, stop your newspaper and mail delivery. Nothing advertises more that you are gone than a pile of newspapers at your front door or mail hanging out of your mail box.
Documentation. Your valuables should be fully documented. Since several items are produced in mass production, more times than not, what distinguishes one item from another is its serial number. Documentation should include, Make, Model and Serial Number. Note any scratch, blemish or a characteristic unique to you. Owner applied numbers are also helpful for identification. Photographs also help once it has been stolen. For jewelry, a photograph, drawing, an appraisal by a qualified jeweler can also help in the identification. The more information a person can provide once the items have been stolen, the better the chances of recovery. Also, this information will help to justify your insurance claim.
