Submitted by Ronelle Funk for Ronelle Funk Insurance
Imagine walking into your home after you have been robbed. Your precious belongings have been stolen and you feel like your space has been violated. It is a shock and very scary but, believe me, you are not alone.
According to the FBI, there were more than 1 million residential burglaries in the U.S. in 2014, with an average loss of $2,229.
With summer fast approaching, some say there is an increased threat of home burglaries. But here in Thurston County, they rose only slightly last year during the summer according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s office. Out of the 713 burglaries in 2016, 179 or 25 percent occurred in the summer months.
A series of neighborhood break-ins in an Olympia neighborhood last December should alert all of us to take precautions year-round.
Though homeowners insurance policies typically help cover damage and theft from break-ins, Ronelle Funk, owner of Ronelle Funk Insurance, wants to provide homeowners with the precautions that may help prevent them from happening in the first place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some other simple, common mistakes homeowners might not be aware of when it comes to protection against home burglaries.
- Your Sock Drawer is Not Secure
Experienced thieves know that many people store valuables in bedroom dressers, closets and vanities. Find some unique ways to hide the things that are important to you throughout the house. The Thurston County Sheriff’s office says that the most common things stolen are jewelry, small tools, small electronics, change (money) and prescription medications.
- Alarms Don’t Work When Off
Many people who just step out for a few minutes may fail to turn on their security system. According to Safewise.com, most criminals can burglarize a home in less than ten minutes and most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The Garage is Key
An unsecured ladder can be an invitation to thieves. Photo credit: Ronelle Funk Insurance A recent video went viral on the internet that showed how a burglar can break into a garage in 6 seconds. Check with a home security specialist for some simple ways to secure your garage. And remember, a garage remote can be a key to your home. Leaving it in your car can be a target for a thief according to Consumer Affairs.
- Stop Supplying Theft Tools
An unlocked storage shed can leave lots of tools like screwdrivers, hammers and crowbars accessible for a break-in. And, an unsecured ladder could be used by a burglar to get through a second-story window.
- Discarded Boxes Are Thief Bait
Discarded boxes that are visible may announce you have a new laptop or a flat-screen television. Expensive items like electronics are a big attraction for thieves. You might want to throw the boxes away where they will be out of sight.
- Big Dogs Might Not Be the Scariest
A big dog may look impressive but the smaller breeds are sometimes better barkers. You know the ones, as soon as someone comes to the door or looks in a window, they are on it!
- Don’t Invite Them In
Posting from the airport or your vacation destination can alert thieves that you are away from home and may not be back for a bit. And, remember not to leave information that you are out of town on your voicemail.
Sergeant Carla Carter, public information officer for the Thurston County Sheriff’s office, explains that the biggest mistake homeowners make is not being familiar with their neighborhood.
“Thurston County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to familiarize themselves with what is normal in their neighborhoods,” explains Sergeant Carter. “Call in the suspicious activity, start a neighborhood block watch, attend the HOA meetings. Be a concerned and watchful neighbor.”
Carter also recommends that for continued access to the Sheriff’s Office, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and download the app “Thurston Sheriff”.
When Life Happens, We Are Here to Help
Sometimes, no matter how smart or careful you are, burglaries cannot be avoided.
Funk encourages victims to call her or one of her licensed agents to help you understand better how a homeowners insurance policy can provide coverage if the unfortunate happens. It is also important to know how to file an insurance claim after a home burglary.
Most people never expect to be the victim of a burglary, but if they are, knowing what to do will help provide some peace of mind in a difficult situation.
Ronelle Funk Insurance was the Yelm Chamber of Commerce 2014 Business of the Year. Voted the Nisqually Valley’s Best Insurance Agency in 2010, her agency was also voted by Allstate customers as number one in customer service within a five-state region and is in the top 1% of all Allstate agencies. Her business has been nominated several times for the “Best of South Sound” Insurance Agency.
Ronelle or her licensed agents can be reached at (360) 491-3376 in Lacey or (360) 458-6061 in Yelm.
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