While you’re busy concentrating on shopping, decorating, gift wrapping, cooking, and entertaining during the holidays, it’s easy to overlook some basic security measures that can help keep your celebrations merry and bright. Keeping your home and property safe brings the peace of mind that lets you relax and enjoy the best time of the year with family and friends!
Arkansas Crime Stats
Arkansas crime statistics reveal that 34 percent of people experienced property crime during the 12 months prior to mid-August 2020. It also shows that 46 percent of people in Arkansas worry about crime on a daily basis. The worry comes with good reason: the Arkansas Crime Information Center reports that the tab for stolen property in the state during 2019 came to $153 million, with only 26 percent being recovered.
Making crime prevention a daily habit begins at home. Raising awareness of your surroundings and brushing up on a few important safety measures can be key in keeping your home and property secure. So, where to start?
How about your own front door—or driveway? During the holidays, thieves know that “opportunity crimes” are waiting to happen. This means thefts that occur when burglars hit neighborhoods at night, quickly trying home door knobs and vehicle door handles until they find ones that are open. During an opportunity crime, they quickly and quietly pounce and move on to the next victim.
How can you avoid being that next victim?
Tips to Protect Your Home from Becoming a Target
In this month’s issue of the Arkansas lifestyle magazine AY (About You), Criminal Justice professor James Hurst, Ph.D., at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, suggests some tips to help keep your home from becoming a target for crime.
- Upgrade locks on your doors or windows. Replace weak doors, door frames or window frames.
- Remove any tools (hammers, crowbars, bricks) and any ladders or step stools that could help criminals commit a theft.
- Don’t set up expensive TVs, laptops or gaming systems in front of windows. Break down and dispose of the boxes these items came in.
- Don’t post your travel plans on social media, including when you will be leaving and for how long.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they won’t obstruct your view.
- A neighborhood watch group can be a great resource for alerting neighbors about suspicious activity. The group encourages members to keep an eye on each other’s homes when they leave town.
- A security camera (whether through a security system or video doorbell), provides an excellent way to catch criminals. Add outdoor overnight lighting for an extra layer of security.
- When you leave your home, make it look like someone is home. Leave a TV or radio on, install a timer to turn on different lights, and leave a car parked in the driveway.
- Get a large, loveable dog.
Get Insurance Protection From Farm Bureau Insurance
Don’t invite crime (or needless worry) into your home for the holidays. Protect your family, home, and belongings with a high quality insurance policy. Contact a local agent with Farm Bureau Insurance in Arkansas instead, and you’ll be thankful you gave your family the gift of security this holiday season, and all year ‘round!