5 ways to protect yourself from theft

The Threat of Burglary - Be Vigilant! 
I am grateful for the fact that I've never experienced a home burglary, but I know at least five people who have suffered through this awful trauma. Not only did the burglars make off with their cash, jewellery and personal belongings, some even damaged their homes. Some of my friends and their family members have even been threatened and hurt during the burglary. The thought of it truly sends chills down my spine...

With the school holidays just around the corner, I imagine many families are gearing up for a trip out of town, leaving their homes empty and possibly exposed. As crime is on the rise, the nagging worry on most people's minds has got to be the safety of their homes and the security of their belongings. Their worries are, however, not unfounded.

Did you know that we are at risk everyday, in or out of home? In 2013, the Bukit Aman branch of the Royal Malaysian Police officially revealed these shocking facts:

17,470 cases of break-ins  and; burglary occurred

33,197 robberies and snatch theft were reported

Source : Malaysiakini, Crime Rates Static Over Past Year, Statistics Reveal, 29th October 2013

Unnerving isn't it? Be safe everybody!

Fortunately, there are steps that we can all take to protect ourselves and our homes. As with most preventive measures, it largely boils down to common sense, but sometimes we can fail to see that when it comes to safety, little things can go a long way. 

How to Protect Yourself from Theft
If you'd like to boost your home's security, here are five simple ways to do so:

• Lock up - If you have a habit of leaving your windows or doors unlocked, it's time to lock up. This simple act can repel would-be intruders from perpetrating what's called 'a crime of opportunity.' The better the lock, the better your security level, so experts recommend that every exterior entry door should be secured with a deadbolt.
• Cover up - Your windows, that is. As much as you might enjoy the view outside, consider investing in curtains, shades or other window treatments that can help keep prying eyes at bay. As frightening as it sounds, the fact is, a burglar might be 'window shopping' for a potential target in your neighbourhood.
• Cancel subscriptions - If you'll be going out of town for a while, be sure to take the time to cancel your newspaper subscriptions. An unruly pile of soggy or yellowing newspapers on your doorstep or porch simply signals to burglars that no one's home.
• Be cautious - Careful about drawing attention to your home, many of us do this unknowingly. For example, if you've just bought a big television, don't put the empty box out with your trash. When it's in full view of the neighbourhood, it can tempt unscrupulous characters.
• Get AIG Malaysia’s Theft Protect - One of the best ways to protect yourself from theft is with AIG Malaysia's Theft Protect, which covers you in and out of your home from just 83 sen a day. As a Malay proverb says, "Disaster cannot be sniffed out," so in the unfortunate event that something does happen, you won't be left high and dry. If you'd like to lo learn more about the plan, just visit the AIG Malaysia website.

By practicing these simple and practical steps, you're closer to guarding yourself and your family from theft. Be safe and let's not be sorry!