Don't let theft ruin your holidays
Phoenix, Ariz., November 28, 2007 – With the holidays fast approaching, many Arizonans are busy shopping and planning to head out of town to share the season with family and friends. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year that thieves view as the prime season to strike vehicles and vacant homes.
While home burglaries have declined dramatically in the last 25 years, thefts are still occurring. In fact, nearly 20 percent of home burglaries occur in November and December. In 2006 alone, over 57,000 burglaries were reported in Arizona, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual crime report.
“Unfortunately, burglaries are higher during the holidays as criminals know this is the time of year consumers purchase gifts and store them in their vehicles or in their homes,” said John Lawson, AAA Arizona vice president of insurance services. “The good news for consumers is that many burglaries can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions, and ensuring your homeowner’s policy is up to date with your most recent purchases.”
Whether planning a holiday shopping trip or a winter vacation, AAA Arizona would like to offer the following tips to help consumers avoid theft during the holiday season:
While shopping and storing gifts…
- Keep your gifts out of sight from windows and other locations that may be vulnerable. While placing the Christmas tree near the front window is a popular option, consider placing it in a more central and less visible location. If the tree is in sight, make sure presents aren’t easily viewed from windows.
- Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle where they are visible from the outside. Place these items in your trunk or take them with you. Better yet, take your packages straight home after a shopping spree and then go back out.
- If you must carry a purse, make sure it has a strap that can go over the shoulder and be held under the arm. In your wallet, carry a minimal amount of credit cards and carry all cash in your front pockets.
- Park in a well-lit area. Thieves are less likely to break into a vehicle if they can be easily seen by others.
- Keep your receipt with you, not in your bags. In the event that you have items stolen from your car, receipts can help police understand the value of the items that were taken. This may also assist you in filing claims with your insurance company.
Before leaving home…
- Close and lock all house and garage windows and doors. If you have a sliding glass door, invest in a slide lock or insert a wooden dowel rod into the track to limit the door’s movement.
- Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position so that your house does not have a closed-down look.
- Suspend mail and newspaper subscriptions or ask a neighbor or friend to pick these items up each day.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to inspect your house regularly and let them know who to contact in case of an emergency.
- Set an automatic timer so interior lights periodically turn on and off. A timer on a radio or television is also a good idea.
- Remove all spare keys that are "hidden" under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the house.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 750,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. |
