It is the season of giving – but your clients shouldn’t be giving away their most precious possessions to thieves over the holidays by announcing on Facebook or Twitter a vacation away from the house.
There are ways that homeowners can protect themselves from burglary over the holiday season. Here are a few tips that brokers can pass along to clients to make sure everyone’s holidays remain merry:
Don’t overshare on social media
People love to share their whereabouts, travel plans and shopping purchases on social media. Everyone loves to hear it, especially burglars who now know when you won’t be home and the expensive items that they’ll be able to steal.
Make sure to close the shades
“It’s a good idea to display the tree away from the window,” says Tim Guernsey, RSA’s vice president, claims. It’s best not to tempt anyone with your expensive-looking presents under the tree. “If you do display your tree by the window remember to close your window coverings when you are not home or at night.”
Turn the tree/holiday lights off
Although leaving a light on while you are away can fool would-be criminals from knowing you aren’t home, leaving the holiday lights on 24/7 can lead to trouble, Guernsey points out.
“Whether you are going to bed or going out to visit family and friends, make sure to turn the Christmas lights/holiday lights off,” he says. “Sadly we do see some fires this time of year due to electrical fires.” (continued.)
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Unload expensive items inside the garage
Showing everyone what you got for Christmas is half the fun, but it shouldn’t include showing off big-ticket items in the driveway to those looking to pilfer your gifts. “Unload large, expensive items out of your car in the garage if you have one, or do so after dark,” advises Guernsey. There are eyes everywhere, and the sight of you wrestling a 50 inch big screen TV through the front door in broad daylight could draw unwanted attention from criminals.
Dispose of boxes and wrapping carefully
Don’t put empty packaging for your new tablet, computer, TV and entertainment system on the curb for trash or recycling for pick-up. Some burglars have been known to inspect recycling and blue bins to see exactly what new items have come into the house.
Don’t run extension cords through a window
Running an exterior extension cord through a window will leave the window open slightly so you won’t be able to lock it. Make sure to hire an electrician to install an inexpensive exterior outlet for holiday lights. And if nothing else – it will help save on the heating bill!
Fully insure your home
Above all else, have your client understand that the insurance policy coverage should reflect the value of the items in the home.
“Make sure that the contents of your home are fully insured before you leave for vacation,” says Guernsey “This also protects your possessions in case anything else should happen, such as a fire or flood damage.”
And if you got a new digital camera from Santa for Christmas, be sure to practice it by taking photos of your expensive and treasured items – this way you have a record of them in the event that you ever have to make a claim.
