EEK! Home Alone! and the Burglars are watching!

With the Christmas Holidays fast approaching, statistics show home burglaries peek during this period. Having a centrally monitored security system is always recommended, however some of us cannot afford to have such or other circumstances may prevent it. We've all seen "Home Alone" and wish that we were as skilled at boobie traps as the young lad in that Holiday Classic, but here are some logical tips to protect your assets instead:

1-Do not dispose of boxes for electronics in your front yard. This is like advertising that you just purchased a new TV.

2-If you're traveling for the Holidays, be sure someone is collecting your mail. Overflowing mail broadcasts you're away.

3-Burglars tend to head straight to the master bedroom where homeowner's keep their most valuable possessions. They also tend to avoid children's rooms or guest rooms which appear to be vacant. Store your cash, jewelry and other valuables in these rooms.

4-Keep your car keys by your bed. If you hear a suspicious noise, press the panic button on your keys to cause a disturbance.

5-Keep your purse and other important keys in your bedroom too. Leaving your purse on the kitchen counter allows a burglar to dash in and grab it quickly.

6-We're a little out of season on this good advice, but when springtime comes consider planting thorny bushes and shrubbery outside your windows that aren't in view to deter burglars.

7-Do not store anything outdoors that can be easily accessed by a burglar to use as a tool to break into your home such as stacked firewood, latters, tools, etc...

8-Any time you have a stranger in your home such as a repair man, yard worker, etc... be sure to follow their tracks to make sure they did not unlock your bathroom window for later entry.

9-Even though you may not have a security system, the decals can be purchased to place on your windows as a deterrant.

10-Safety deposit boxes are an inexspensive way to protect your jewelry and other small collectibles at your bank of choice.

11-Get to know your neighbors and exchange contact information so they will report any suspicious activity to you.

12-Set your lights on timers so your home appears active even if it is vacant.

13-Do not post about long term absences on social networking websites. It is always best to share the adventures of your vacation after you return home rather than while you're away.

14-And don't let someone burglarize your credit score! Credit card offers double during the holidays so be sure to destroy all offers including your personal info before disposing of the paperwork.

15-When you attend a large festivity, be sure your car is securely locked. Another popular target for burglars during the holidays is parking lots for special events. Lock your purse or wallet in your trunk if you will not be carrying it inside.

We hope this information is useful to you and we welcome you to share any other useful tips with us that you may have. Our goal is to protect you and while we hope you will never have to make a burglary claim on your insurance, we welcome you to call any of our 3 local offices to discuss your policy details regarding theft.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!