The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association

Estimates that nearly one-third of all burglars enter through the front door. In addition:

• More than 30 percent of burglars enter residences through an unlocked door, window, or other opening without force. Around 60 percent of burglars use forcible entry to gain access to a home.

• Typically, burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home.

• Homes without alarm systems are three times more likely to be burglarized than those with an alarm system.

Safety tips for you!

• Check windows and doors: Make sure they’re locked before leaving the home

• Install motion-detecting lights: A burglar’s best friend is a dark home. Motion-detecting lights can deter burglars from breaking into your home.

• Install a home alarm system: Make sure to activate it every time you leave home.

• Tell people you’re out of town—the right people: Tell local authorities or your neighborhood watch program you will be gone. Ask them to drive by your house and check on it occasionally.

• Don’t announce online that you’re going on vacation: Burglars can use social media to find out who isn’t home.

• Stop deliveries: Put your newspaper and mail delivery on hold while you are away or have someone pick it up for you. A pile of newspapers or mail overflowing from your mailbox is an indicator to burglars that no one is home

• And finally, we encourage you to prepare an inventory of everything in their home and keep a copy off-site. If they become a victim of a theft crime,they will know exactly what needs to be replaced. Content provided by Safeco Insurance