Summer has arrived. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and burglars are on the prowl. Between easy access from open windows to apartments being empty for weeks on end while their residents are on vacation, July and August have the highest burglary rates of the year. Here are six simple tips on how to discourage burglars from targeting your rented apartment:
- Always Lock Your Doors and Windows
In the summer time, many of us like to keep our windows open so that fresh air can circulate through the apartment, but you should resist the urge to leave your windows open when you’re not home. Even a ten-minute trip to town leaves your apartment vulnerable enough for a thief to break in and pilfer your valuables. Thieves are much more common to target you when you’re not home, so make sure to lock your apartment up tight every time you leave. - Install a Security System
One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a security system. When scouting out a target, homes with security systems are often bypassed in favor of those without. By installing a security system you’ll dramatically reduce the likeliness of ever becoming the target of thieves. - Keep Your Vacation Plans Off Social Media
Security systems and locked doors are great deterrents, because they present a bigger challenge for burglars to break in and get out quickly. If the burglar knows that you will be out of town for an extended period of time, those deterrents don’t work as well. Refrain from posting about your vacation until you get back. - Get to Know Your Neighbors
Having a good relationship with your neighbors doesn’t only benefit your sense of community, it can also protect your property. When you’re leaving town, you can ask your neighbors to pick up your mail for you (uncollected mail is a common sign that burglars use to determine that someone is out of town) and have them keep an eye on your place for you. If you develop a good enough relationship with them, maybe they’ll even feed your cat for you while you’re gone. - Store Important Valuables in a Safety Deposit Box
For a nominal fee of about $15-$25 a year, you can rent a safety deposit box to keep your most important and cherished valuables in. That way, in the unfortunate event that your apartment is broken in to, you’ll still have your passports, social security cards, and grandma’s diamond earrings. - Get Renters’ Insurance
It’s likely that your landlord only has enough insurance to cover potential damage to the building or property. Even if your landlord has enough insurance to cover some of your belongings, it’s unlikely that it will cover everything you own. Get renters’ insurance to cover your belongings from theft. Read More: Top renters’ insurance myths.
Have a great summer vacation and talk to your Yetter Insurance Agent about the ways to keep your home safeguarded and properly insured. We’ll help make sure you get the best help possible. Contact Yetter Insurance today at our Milford office at 570-296-8329 or visit www.yetterins.com.
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Yetter Insurance Agency is a family-owned business, located in Milford, PA, providing an array of renters’ insurance options for Pennsylvania and New York residents. Yetter has been a leading insurance agency in Pike County, PA since 1972. It’s likely that a landlord’s insurance only covers potential damage to the property or building. For coverage of your belongings and peace of mind, contact one of our skilled insurance agents today and ask about renters’ insurance. For more information, please visit http://yetterins.com.
