Each year more than 2 million homes are burglarized, costing victims an estimated $3.5 billion, reports the Burglary Protection Council. Following a few basic tips can help protect you from becoming another victim.
- Keep all entrances, including doors, windows and pet entrances, closed and securely fastened. Doors should be made of heavy-duty wood or metal and fastened with high-quality deadbolts. Windows should have window locks.
- Secure your sliding glass doors with metal rods or plywood in the track.
- Don’t leave ladders or tools outside your home that could help an intruder break in.
- Install a peephole in your front door.
- Invest in a home security system and post signs indicating your home is protected.
General Casualty also recommends creating a home inventory list so you can easily identify what items are missing or damaged if needed. Contact your local independent agent for more information about how to protect your home or create a home inventory.