During the December holiday season, there is usually an increase in criminal activities due to home owners being away from their homes for extended periods of time. Before you go off to enjoy your holiday festivities and well-deserved rest, be aware of what burglars have on their “Christmas Wish List” when they break into a home. By taking necessary and calculated precautions, you can make it that much more difficult for them to get what they’re after.
In a recent sample of items claimed for, Indwe Risk Services found that the 10 most popular items stolen in any burglary are:
- Jewellery
- Computer equipment, specifically laptops, notebooks and tablet devices
- Clothing
- Televisions and home theatre systems
- Cameras
- Cell phones
- Luggage and handbags
- Power tools
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- Bedding
Says Joe Szemerei, head of the Direct division at Indwe Risk Services, “Burglars know and understand their markets and they tend to zone in on those items which give them the best return for their efforts, namely the high-value , in-demand and easily transportable items.”
There aren’t always practical ways of specifically safeguarding our possessions in our homes and, honestly, we all feel that our homes are our sanctuaries where constant thought of criminal intent should not be allowed to dictate our lives. Sadly, the reality is that in addition to the external security measures we install, it pays to be aware of the things criminals focus on, and take the necessary steps to further protect our valuables.
One cannot realistically keep a television or pair of expensive running shoes locked in a safe, but keeping in mind that jewellery could potentially always be on the “wish list”, it is worthwhile spending some of your hard-earned money on a good quality, properly installed home safe or by making use of your bank’s ‘custody of valuable goods’ services.
Other measures to consider include; making use of trusted, professional house-sitters and ensuring your security company is aware that your home is unoccupied.
So, before hitting the high road to your holiday destination, put some thought into what could happen on your home front whilst you are away. Usually all the concentration and focus goes into the planning and execution of the holiday, however, neglecting to consider your home front can have unfortunate consequences.
Families whose homes have been subject to criminal activities whilst they were away face a financially and emotionally taxing time when they return from holiday. Even though you might not have been able to prevent a loss from occurring, you should ensure that your insurance cover is in place and that you understand it (even the terms and conditions) before you go on holiday. This is where your broker’s advice can prove invaluable.
Talk to Indwe Risk Services today about the right insurance cover for you or to review your existing policy to ensure you are adequately covered. Contact 0860 13 13 14 or visit www.indwerisk.co.za for more information.