Did you know that a home burglary occurs every 26 seconds in the U.S., according to the FBI? Additional resources* show that:
- Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized. 1
- 46.9% of people don’t have a home security system installed. 2
- 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of alarm systems before attempting break-ins. 3
- 34% of burglars use the front door when breaking into a home. 4
- Police solve only 12% of reported burglary cases. 5
Our Actionable Advice
Travelers Insurance and Mercury Insurance suggest these home security tips to keep you, your family and possessions protected.
- Landscape with safety in mind. Clear away overgrown areas.
- Talk with local police to understand past break-in trends.
- Get to know your neighbors, let them know you are going to be away and ask them to watch out for suspicious activity.
- Your house should look occupied all the time—lighting matters. Consider outdoor lighting, motion-sensitive fixtures and automatic timers.
- Bring in delivered boxes as soon as you can.
- Have a safety routine where you regularly lock all doors, shut windows, and turn on the alarm system. Do not leave spare keys outside; consider leaving with a neighbor or family member.
- Protect your outdoor grill, lawn mower, bicycles, etc.
- Create a plan when you are away. Hold mail and ask a neighbor to remove flyers. Arrange for lawn care so you do not appear to be away.
- Don’t broadcast that you are on vacation or out of town on social media.
- Consider installing a home security system.
- Call a Licensed Insurance Agent at The Whitlock Group to confirm you have the proper Homeowners Insurance policies in place.
The Big Takeaway
The Whitlock Group has over 30 years of experience in Homeowners and Auto Insurance, so you can have peace of mind that your home is safe.
If you have questions about your current policies or would like a quote for Homeowners and Auto Insurance, please contact Kristi Flynn.