Community Releases
Burglaries Heat-Up in the Summer Month
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(CNW) Every year, Canadians eagerly await the first signs of summer but, along with warmer weather, homeowners should also be mindful for increased incidents of residential break-ins. Aviva Canada Inc., one of the country's leading providers of home, auto, leisure and business insurance, is reminding homeowners to be on alert this summer and take the necessary steps to safeguard their homes from summer burglaries.
Aviva insurance claims data shows that burglary frequencies peak in the summer months, starting with a four percent increase over the monthly average in June and followed by increases of nine percent and 20 percent in July and August respectively. The number of break-ins also increases towards the end of the week, with the highest number occurring on Fridays. A burglary is 28 percent more likely to happen on a Friday than a Sunday.
Wayne Ross, Vice President of National Property Claims at Aviva Canada says, "Homeowners need to be vigilant in safeguarding their property to avoid losing high value or priceless sentimental items."
And since 2002, the average dollar value of the articles stolen from burglaries has increased 24 percent from $4,476 to $5,560 in 2009 - attributable to the popularity of easy to grab valuable items like laptops, cell phones and video game consoles. Based on 2005-2009 Aviva Canada data, Quebec homeowners have the highest number of break-ins, with claims two times that of the national average. At ten times below the national average, Newfoundland has the least number of burglary claims.
"Intruders usually enter your home through one of three ways - through the basement, forcing entry through a window or door, or simply opening an unlocked door or window," said Ross. "Homeowners can take simple precautions to avoid these types of entries and prevent an intruder from entering the property."
Aviva Canada suggests these precautions:
- Ensure all windows are locked. If your windows are old, consider
upgrading newer models with improved locking systems;
- Make a home look occupied when occupants are away. Try parking a car
in the driveway, leaving some household lights on, or asking a
neighbour to collect mail and newspapers;
- Install a security device with a loud alarm or flashing lights. Some
alarms even contact authorities directly when they have been
activated;
- Use deadbolt locks on all doors, and when moving into a new property
have the locks changed.
