Amica Mutual Chief Suggests Ways To Protect Empty Homes From Burglars

Thomas A. Taylor, president and CEO of Amica Mutual Insurance Company, has warned vacationers to take the proper precautions before leaving home or risk having their vacation dream turned into a nightmare if their home is burglarized whilst they are away. Taylor writes:

Our policyholders are affected by home burglaries in many ways. Sure, insurance will cover the loss of an expensive television, stereo or VCR. But even the best insurance in the world can't replace a precious family heirloom, an item with sentimental value, or the loss of the sense of security a home provides.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, each year there are nearly 4 million home burglaries. And although the old adage is to keep the lights and radio on while away, in the sophisticated world of criminals, those steps alone are no longer good enough.

But there is no reason to run out and purchase an expensive, sophisticated home alarm system. Common sense measures can work just as well. Making your home appear occupied while you are away can discourage burglaries.

Taylor makes the following suggestions on ways to do this:

• Close and lock all of your windows, but leave your shades and drapes in the normal position. One sign of a vacant house is shades that are closed during the day
• Have your newspaper and mail delivery suspended. A growing pile of newspapers or mail is an obvious sign that no one has been home. If you cannot arrange this, ask a neighbor to pick them up for you.
• Buy electronic timers that turn lights on and off at different times. Hook a timer up to your television for a few hours each evening. Set the timer so the last lights to go off each evening are in your bedroom.
• Ask the neighbors to park their car in your driveway or parking place
• If necessary, ask your neighbor to mow your lawn.
• Notify the local police department about your vacation plans and leave the name of a neighbor who can be notified in case of an emergency. This person should have a key to your house and the phone number of where you are.

If you don't own the residence where you live, you should seriously consider renter's insurance, writes Taylor. Generally, your landlord is not responsible for your possessions should they be stolen from your residence. Many rental policies also offer important protection against losses due to fire or storm damage.

Of course, burglaries don't only happen while you are away on vacation. They can happen at anytime. And in two-thirds of the cases, the burglar gains entry through an unlocked door or open window. So aside from properly locking doors and windows, to prevent break-ins trim the trees and shrubs near your doors and windows; maintain adequate lighting outdoors, including the use of motion-sensitive lights, which are available at a relatively low cost; and, if possible, get a dog. It is not necessary to get a large attack dog; a small dog is a good deterrent.

Whether you're planning a trip to the beach, mountains or another destination, enjoy your summer vacation. But before leaving your home, be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid a burglary. Unfortunately, concludes Taylor, no home is immune.