As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, many Americans are making plans to be away for several days, and others are using the holiday to jump-start their vacations.
Most are good about securing indoor valuables — jewelry and electronics, for example — but not as attentive to the items left outside.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics, you're more likely to be a victim of a burglary during the summer months, and thieves are looking both inside and outside your home. Even if you have a “smart” home, you may not be fully protected.
“Empty homes offer thieves the perfect opportunity to steal valuable goods, even if they don't step foot in your house,” said Heather Bolyard, assistant vice president of claims support for specialty insurer American Modern Insurance Group, headquartered in Amelia, Ohio. “Some of the most sought after items for burglars are actually located outside of the physical confines of your home, from air conditioning units and pool pumps, to recreational belongings such as bicycles.”
In June 2016, through Google, American Modern conducted a survey of more than 500 adults living in the United States and found that 31% don't take the time to secure property and personal items located outside their homes. According to the survey, 42% were most likely to protect their electronics while 23% protected jewelry and watches. Of those surveyed, only 18% protected outdoor or recreational items.
Bolyard said, “Some thieves are after materials that can be sold to scrappers or recyclers for quick cash, while others want moderately expensive items that can be sold online before an owner realizes they're gone. These items can include bicycles, sporting equipment, pool pumps and copper coils from air conditioning units.”
Help your customers and policyholders protect their property by sharing these seven soft targets that thieves and vandals look for most often:
(Photo: iStock)
|1. Air-conditioning units
Thieves looking for scrap metal often target AC units because many have copper coils and other metal piping that's worth a lot of money.
You should install bright, motion-activated security lighting near your outdoor AC unit.
(Photo: iStock)
|2. Pool pumps
Your pool area should be fenced off and locked, to protect against thieves, vandals, uninvited “guests” and liability. If you can't remove your pool pump and store it inside, make sure it's in an area covered by bright, motion-activated security lighting even if you have the pump behind locked doors.
(Photo: iStock)
|3. Vacant properties and vacation homes
Vandals and hieves who are interested in scrap metal and vandals love empty houses and vacation homes that are only used on weekends or at certain times of the year.
- Keep vacant home doors and windows securely locked.
- Put interior lights on staggered timers and install motion-activated exterior lights.
- Consider video cameras that you can monitor from your home computer or smartphone.
(Photo: iStock)
|4. Unlocked sheds and garages
Reselling stolen tools and lawn equipment is a lucrative trade.
- Make sure your shed and garage doors are locked at all times especially if you're working in the back yard and can't monitor them.
- Don't leave valuable tools or equipment outside.
Related: The 11 rules every homeowner needs to follow when creating a home inventory
(Photo: iStock)
|5. Sports equipment
Summer is a great time to be more active perhaps playing tennis or riding bicycles with your family. Often, kayakers, surfers and water skiiers leave their equipment outside to dry off after a session on the water, making the equipment attractive to thieves.
- Secure sporting goods inside your home, if you can.
- Keep sporting goods in heavy-duty, locked bins inside a locked garage or shed if you can't get them inside the house.
(Photo: iStock)
|6. Bicycles
A thin bike chain or wheel lock won't deter many thieves. Some will unbolt a chained wheel and carry away the rest of the bike. If the chain is really flimsy, a thief could cut the chain and just ride the bike away.
If you can't take your bike inside, make sure you use heavy chains threaded through both wheels and the frame – and a thick padlock to secure it to the rack.
(Photo: iStock)
|7. Vehicles and items left in them
According to several published reports, most experienced car thieves can steal your car in 10 seconds or less. Breaking into your car to steal valuables might take as long as 20 seconds.
- Never leave loose items on the seats or dashboard, for example, your toll both pass, electronic door opener or parking garage access. Lock them in the glove box or trunk, or take them with you.
- If you have a garage at home, use it for as many cars as you can. If you have more cars than garage space, park the most valuable ones in the garage and use the others to block access.
- If you must park on the street, install a loud alarm system with a visible, blinking dash light.
- You might also consider one of several anti-theft devices, for example, something that locks the steering wheel or disables the ignition.
Related: Modesto tops San Francisco with worst vehicle-theft rate in U.S.
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Rosalie Donlon
Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].
