Burglary Prevention Month Week One Focuses on Simple Steps Recommended by The Inventory Institute

June 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Week one of Burglary Prevention Month reminds property owners that a few simple steps can save immeasurable money, time, and heartache. Recent statistics show that one in four U.S. homes will be affected by burglary. After the burglary, victims must spend a great deal of time completing police reports, insurance claim forms, and inventory reports; not to mention the construction and repair that often accompany a burglary.

The Inventory Institute recommends following these simple precautionary measures so residents and business owners can help protect themselves against burglary and the loss of security:

1.   Always lock doors and windows – even when leaving for a just few minutes. This includes the garage door. Burglary happens anywhere at any time. Burglary is not exclusive to the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ or the dead of night.
2.   Remove Temptations – don’t leave valuable items in plain sight. Store expensive and high-demand items out of sight and away from windows. Throw away high-ticket item boxes at work, at a friend’s business, or deliver to a recycle center. Additionally, always put things away like ladders, crowbars, hammers, etc.; if left within easy reach of doors and windows, burglars can use everyday items to force their way through a door or window.
3.   Stay Alert – know your neighbors and pay attention to your surroundings. By doing so, suspicious people and situations are more likely to be noticed and reported, leading to the lower likelihood of incidents. It really does take an entire village to keep everyone safe.
4.   Be Vocal and Be Visible – Conduct regular block parties or neighborhood gatherings; make sure to invite local police and crime fighting organizations. Would-be criminals are less likely to rob a home or business in a visibly active and well-connected neighborhood. When in doubt, call the police - it is far easier to deal with a little embarrassment than a robbery.

The Inventory Institute provides credentialing, industry standards, uniform education, and a vehicle for peer review and communication for Home Inventory Professionals. The Institute also educates the public on the need for Third Party Home and Business Inventory and how to find qualified, insured professionals. The Inventory Institute was founded in 2009 after learning that 40% of Home Inventory Professionals throughout the country claimed to be licensed when there was no industry license in any state. For more information, contact www.TheInventoryInstitute.com or www.ProveItsYours.com or 972-834-8592.

The Inventory Institute: educating consumers, setting standards, raising the bar, for the Industry.