Allstate Provides Home Burglary Prevention Tips for the Holidays

Before heading out on the road this holiday season, consider taking some precautions to keep uninvited holiday guests from ruining the season.
 
To help safeguard your home and make it less inviting to burglars, here are some safety tips from Allstate:

1. Invest in a home security system.

An alarm system is an excellent deterrent to crime. The system should include a loud siren and motion sensors. Display security system decals on your windows and doors.

2. Do not use Social Media to document your location.

Social Media is a powerful tool, but it can work against you if potential thieves know that your house is empty.

3. Lock all doors and windows when you leave home.

Even if you’re just running out on a short errand, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Deadbolts provide the best security.

4. Keep window coverings slightly open.

Drapes and shades that are fully closed give a deserted look to your home.

5. Keep valuables out of sight.

Keep valuables away from the windows so burglars can’t see them from outside. Use an etching tool so valuables are easily identifiable. Prepare a household inventory of all your belongings and write down any serial numbers.

6. Don’t make it easy for thieves to use your keys.

Don’t hide a key in the mailbox, under the doormat or above the doorway. Don’t put your name and address on your key ring. If you think a former owner or tenant might still have keys to your home, change the locks.

7. Have your mail held at the post office when you leave town.

Full mailboxes make it clear to burglars that no one is home. Stop newspaper delivery and ask a friend or neighbor to pick up any packages or flyers left outside.

8. Keep your garage door locked.

Keeping your garage locked is as important as keeping your home locked, especially if the garage is attached. Once inside the garage, a burglar can work uninterrupted at getting into your home.

9. Join a neighborhood watch program or consider starting one.

These programs are designed by and for local community residents to help ensure the safety of all those living in the area. They are a great defense against crime.

10.  Insure your valuables

Maybe you’ve purchased a valuable piece of jewelry or you have a growing collection of art. Or maybe you have a full set of quality tools around the house that you use in your business. Allstate offers Optional coverage to address these situations and others by extending your protection to reflect the value of your possessions.

11. Inventory your home

Take the time to complete an inventory record of your personal property. The Allstate Digital Locker^TM application allows you to keep an inventory of all your personal property - perfectly organized and accessible to you at a moment's notice - on your smart phone or any internet-connected computer. The application is free to use.