Burglaries Spike During Summer Months

Summer may be the season of cottages, pools and barbecues, but it’s also high season for home burglaries.

Data from Aviva Canada show that residential burglary claims increase dramatically over the summer months. Compared to February – which has the lowest frequency of burglaries – July, August and September show an increase of 24%, 36% and 18% respectively.

While the frequency of burglary is on the decline in Canada, the value of property being stolen is on the rise. For Aviva Canada, the average value of a burglary claim has increased 27% over the last five years from $5,695 to $7,243.

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This can be attributed to the value of easier to steal and sell items such as jewelry, tablet and laptop computers, cell phones, video cameras and gaming consoles.  “Thieves are generally not after larger items such as big screen TVs and stereo systems,” says Wayne Ross.

Aviva insurance claims data also indicates that break-ins are more common at the start of the weekend, with Friday showing the greatest incidence at 25% higher than Sunday, the day with the lowest incidence of break-ins.

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“While we are pleased to see a general trend of decline in the instance of burglaries, Canadians need to be reminded that a few simple steps can help make them less of a target for this crime,” Ross adds. “Thieves know that homes are less occupied through the summer, so don’t make it easy to tell that you’re away.”

Aviva Canada suggests these precautions:

• Keep your upcoming vacation plans off of social media and remind your kids to do the same. While you may be diligent with who can see what you post, some of your friends may not have tight privacy settings;
• Make a home look occupied when you’re away. Park a car in the driveway, leave some household lights and a radio on, ask a neighbour to collect mail and newspapers and mow your lawn;
• Install a security device with a loud alarm or flashing lights.  Some alarms contact authorities directly when they have been activated;
• Do a home inventory with your video camera, it will take minutes, but will save you the stress and heartache of listing all of your possession.

This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.