One of the best ways to prevent your home from burglaries is to understand how, when and why they happen. We have already touched on how you can prevent a burglary by looking at your home through the eyes of a thief. This time, we take a look at some of the most commonly reported stolen items and what they mean for your home's security.
Your home contains these commonly stolen items
It is no surprise that the most commonly stolen items are found in just about every home in America.
Commonly stolen items (in no particular order):
- Cash
- Electronics
- Jewelry
- Clothing
Other commonly stolen items include power tools (drills, saws, etc.) and guns and firearms. Take a quick look around your Atlanta or D.C. area home and notice where these items are located. Are they easily visible and accessible? Are they in predictable hiding places?
Tips for securing your valuables
Now that you know what the likely targets of a home burglary are, you can take steps to avoid a large loss in the event you become a victim. Here are our top money-saving tips for securing your valuables.
- Do not hide large amounts of cash in predictable places (like under the mattress). The best place for your cash is a bank. Even if you think your hiding place is unique, someone else has likely thought of it. Cereal boxes, toilet tanks and freezers have become common hiding places thanks to movies and the internet.
- Store your most valuable items in a safe deposit box and keep the rest in a quality safe. The best bet for protecting high-dollar valuables like jewelry is to store them in a safe deposit box away from your home where they remain secure but is still accessible.
- Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your valuables. You should also inventory the items. In the event your electronics (TV, phone, iPod, tablet, laptop, etc.) are stolen, you will need to provide proof of ownership. Most insurance companies recommend taking photos of the items, writing down the serial number and keeping purchase receipts.
- Always keep firearms in a gun safe. For both safety and security, any firearms in your home should be stored in a locked gun safe. This will prevent accidental discharge by guests and protect your guns from thieves.
Knowledge is power and this knowledge should give you the power to protect yourself financially in case your home becomes a burglary victim.
Ackerman Security helps businesses and homes in the Atlanta and D.C. areas protect their most valuable assets. Contact us online for more information on how you can improve your home's security.