Greg shares tips for protecting yourself against the surge in crime during the warmer months in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: At Heritage Insurance, they take the hassle out of buying insurance guaranteed. They'll review your coverages regularly to provide you with the best coverage for your insurance dollar guaranteed. Here to talk about that more, Greg Marcyniuk from Heritage Insurance on Ask the Expert.
Greg, I think it stands to reason with our harsh winter, sometimes those cold nights keep the criminal element at home in their own homes, but once spring and summer and fall come, crime rates go up. And that's what you want to deal with today.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct, Rob. Summer is supposed to be the best time of the year. But unfortunately, it brings out some of the worst in people. A recent study did find that there's a definite correlation between the season and the crime rate. And researchers found that the crime rates are often lower in the fall and winter while peaking in the summer.
And some of the reasons that they are peaking is, you know, kids are out of school and have times on their hands, there's longer days out there. And, as well, just results in vandalism, shoplifting, and home and garage and car theft. As well, people typically travel more in the summer, Rob, and empty houses are a more attractive target. Also as always, social media plays a role because people share a lot of personal information online.
So again, if you're going away, just keep it to yourself. And they say that it's gonna be a great two weeks while burglars know that you're gonna be gone that long, so it gives them ample time to scope out the place, take advantage of that.
As well, there's more opportunity because people are more likely to leave their windows open during hot weather. They're outside more, their bikes are left outside, patio furniture, and other valuables are often left outside and unattended. As well, if you're in the backyard, make sure you leave your front door locked. There's been a lot of people who've just gone through and done that. And there's evidence that high temperatures increase the irritability and aggression. And violent assaults increase during the summer as well.
And other things during the summer, alcohol consumption is high. And, you know, a couple of cold beers may not cool your temper, and alcohol often is a key risk in violence. And alcohol usage usually does tend to increase in the hot weather, so temperance is a good idea.
With property claims, the most important thing is to remember that criminals do not take vacations. They wait for you to take the vacations and let your guard down. So, keep your doors locked and all your valuables inside. If you've got anything outside, it just takes a passerby a couple of seconds to stop and pick either a bike or whatever may be valuable out in the front.
And if you are going away, again, keep your vacation and travel plans quiet. Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house, collect your flyers out front, and also keep the grass cut. And always be aware of your surroundings and don't leave valuables outside, where they can easily be stolen. And never hesitate to call 911 if you are observing any sort of suspicious activity.
The last thing is that I always recommend get a monitored alarm system. Not only does that give you a discount on your insurance, but it also gives you peace of mind. And it is the known number one deterrent from keeping burglars away from your home.
Rob: You can find these tips online. Or we can drop in and have a visit?
Greg: You sure can! At corner of Fairford and 1st West, and we'd be more than happy to give you this information.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)