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Insurer suggests keeping plans off social media as residential burglaries climb in summer months


June 10, 2014   by Canadian Underwriter


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Aviva Canada is reminding Canadians to take precautions this summer, as burglary claims increase dramatically during the warmer months.

Compared to February – which has the lowest frequency of burglaries – July, August and September show an increase of 24%, 36% and 18% respectively, Aviva noted, based on its claims data.

The value of property being stolen is also on the rise, although the general frequency of burglary is on decline in Canada.

For Aviva Canada, the average value of a burglary claim has increased 27% over the last five years from $5,695 to $7,243. 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, Aviva said.

Aviva’s data also suggests 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. Thursday also shows a high rate of break-in frequency at 19% higher than Sunday.

Based on data from 2009 to 2013, Quebec homeowners have the highest frequency of break-ins at 94% above the national average and at just over one third of the national average, the Atlantic Provinces have the lowest frequency of burglary claims.

Aviva Canada suggests these precautions for homeowners:

  • 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;
  • Consider upgrading the locking systems on your doors and windows. Also inspect window or door frames to ensure thieves could not easily force entry;
  • Ensure all windows and doors are locked when out of the home or overnight, and when moving into a new property have the locks changed;
  • 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. The Aviva customer survey also indicates only half of respondents have some form of home inventory.

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