Homes mostly burgled when owners are away

Many Canadians like to get outdoors in summer, and that is time most burglars choose to break in to their homes, according to data from the Aviva Canada insurance company.

Burglaries spike in summer

Insurance claims indicate residential burglaries spike in the summer months of June, July and August, and are at their lowest in the deep winter month of February. “In Canada we’re dealing with summer vacations,” says Wayne Ross, vice-president of national property claims at Aviva Canada. “They’re going to cottages or they’re going tenting or whatever the case may be. It (burglary) tracks with when people are away from their homes.”

Fridays, when people typically leave for the weekend or the beginning of a vacation, have the highest incidences of break-ins and Sundays, when they often return, have the lowest.

‘Smash-and-grab’ is typical

“Typically it’s what we like to refer to as a smash-and-grab,” says Ross. “They’ll go in through a door or a weakened window and they’ll get into your home. They look for property that’s easily fenced. They are in and they’re out in a matter of minutes and they don’t want to be confronting anyone.”

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Thieves will most often pick up cash, jewellery because it is easily fenced, and small electronic goods like laptops and video cameras, says Ross. “They want it to be small enough so that they can leave the home without being (noticed.) You know you’re not going to walk out with a 60-inch TV but it’s much easier to walk out with some small electronics in the pocket or something along those lines.”

The value of lost goods has gone up from an average $5,700 five years ago to $7,200. Most Canadians would have insurance to cover the loss, but if the amount  is small, they may be reluctant to file a claim because premiums may subsequently increase.

Social media posts can help burglars

People love to post vacation pictures on social media or to say they are going away, but Ross says that can tip off potential burglars. He suggests people keep their plans off the internet and make it look like they are home by leaving a car in the driveway if they can, by making sure newspapers and mail are not left outside, and that lights and the radio be periodically turned on and off with inexpensive electronic devices.

Lock up, advises insurance company

Doors and windows should be locked, and alarms can be installed, he adds, and those leaving for an extended time should lock their jewellery away in a safety deposit box at a bank.

Residents of the province of Quebec may choose to be extra vigilant since Aviva statistics indicate it has the highest rate of home at two times the national average. The lowest rates are in the Atlantic Provinces in eastern Canada.