SGIC is Encouraging Residents to Lock Up Before They Hop Off on Easter Break

SGIC Home Insurance is calling for SA residents to remember to lock up this Easter holiday break with thieves on the hunt for your technology valuables*.

The insurer's claims data shows that technology items such as laptops, MP3 players and digital cameras continue to be the most popular items with thieves as they are popular, portable and easy to pawn.

SGIC Home Insurance spokesperson Andrew Tubb urged SA residents to take extra care with home security over the Easter break, especially if going away.

'Year on year, our claims data shows that small technology items like laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players are targeted by thieves becaus fashion coats online e they can be easily grabbed and put straight into a backpack.

'SA residents can take some simple precautions such as marking their driver licence number on the back of electronic valuables, avoid leaving tell-tale packaging for big tickets items out and remember to always lock up, regardless of whether you are away for five minutes or the entire holiday period. Thieves only need a few minutes to break-in and steal your valuables.

'Plus it's a nice time to get to know your neighbour and ask them to keep an eye on your place while you're on holiday. Not only does having good neighbourly relations help to build a sense of community spirit, it can assist with keeping your home secure by having an eye on your place when you go away.

'We also recommend SA households have Home Contents Insurance so their items are covered, should the worst happen,' said Mr Tubb.

SGIC recommends the following home security tips:

• Lock the house every time you go out;
• If you are going on holidays, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your house; collect the mail and newspapers
• Don't leave tell-tale packaging for big ticket items – tear it up and put it in the recycling bin;
• Keep your home looking lived in with open blinds and timer switches on lights;
• Never leave a message on your answering machine saying you are not home;
• Mark your driver licence number and state on the back of all electronic valuables;
• Keep your car keys safe and not in any obvious places – burglars could steal your car;
• Secure garages and garden sheds and remove valuables from your garden.

The top ten items stolen from SA homes over 2009 - 10 were:

1 Digital Cameras
2 Laptops
3 Televisions
4 Cash
5 MP3 Players
6 Watches
7 Game consoles
8 Sunglasses / Glasses
9 Adult clothes and shoes
10 Jewellery (other than watches, rings, necklaces)
other than watches, rings, necklaces)

• Based on SGIC Home Contents claims data sourced for the Financial Year 2009 – 10

SGIC is a leading insurance provider offering Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Boat Insurance, Health Insurance and Caravan Insurance in South Australia.

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