An empty house and complacent owners are burglars’ best friends and are easy targets for jewelry theft. You must take steps to deter criminals, especially when you are away from home.
Although crime never sleeps, you may be surprised to know that most home robberies occur during the day, during the warm months, with thieves walking right through the front door. Here are tips to protect jewelry from theft.
9 tips to help prevent jewelry theft at home
1. Avoid the appearance of an empty house with timers, well-groomed landscaping, and no mail or newspaper accumulation.
If possible, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up any mail, packages or newspapers that may come while you are away. Consider putting a hold on your mail or newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip. If your stay is extended a week or more consider hiring a service to take care of lawn care or snow removal.
2. Do not hide spare house keys outside your home or publicize your absence on the answering machine or social media.
Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or nearby-friend and wait until you return home to post pictures online.
3. Inspect and use quality locks.
Before leaving double check all locks on all windows and doors, including garage doors.
4. Use motion-detector lights at entrances to your home.
Add motion-detector lights to porches, above your garage and in any dark areas.
5. Consider a home security and monitoring system.
In addition to home security, let a neighbor know you are going to be away so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior.
6. Jewelry should not be kept in an obvious place such as a jewelry box or bedroom dresser drawer.
The best place for your valuables is a home safe – even better if it’s bolted to the floor in an inconspicuous location.
7. Store seldom worn jewelry in a bank safety deposit box.
In addition to storing seldom worn jewelry in a bank safety deposit box, consider dropping off jewelry you won't be taking with you while you're away from home.
8. Have current photos and appraisals of each item in the event of a claim.
Keeping a personal jewelry inventory can help you provide detailed information if you have to file a police report or insurance claim.
9. Keep records of identifying serial numbers or engrave your pieces.
Items that are engraved or otherwise marked with an identifying number are more difficult for a thief to sell, and easier to return to their proper owner.
Does jewelry insurance cover theft?
Generally speaking, Jewelers Mutual Group policies cover loss, theft, damage and disappearance. This includes common causes of loss like having earrings stolen from your home. Learn more about what Jewelers Mutual covers.
What do I do if my jewelry has been stolen?
Gather documentation and proof of ownership, write a written statement and file a police report. If covered by Jewelers Mutual, file a claim.
Not covered by Jewelers Mutual yet? Check your rate to see how much it would cost you to be protected from jewelry theft.
