Most vehicle burglary crimes occur because people leave car doors unlocked or leave valuables in plain sight. The most likely targets for theft are briefcases, purses, wallets, expensive sunglasses, watches, camera gear, MP3 players, PDAs, gym bags, sports equipment, auto parts, CDs, speakers, power tools, spare change, and mail.

Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and carelessness often results in vehicles being broken into; however, residents can minimize their chances of being a victim by taking a few simple steps thanks to The Manhattan Beach Police Department:

• Keep all car doors and windows closed and locked – even if it’s a quick errand. This sounds like common sense, but about 30% of vehicle burglaries are from vehicles where the doors were not locked or a window was down.
• Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. This may sound like a simple solution, but it happens all the time where items of value are left in plain view. It automatically makes you a target. If you must leave valuables in the car, put them in the trunk.
• If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it. If you don’t have a security system installed, it is worth the investment – it may also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance.
• Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. If garage parking is not available, the next best option is to park your car in the driveway and install motion-sensor security lighting on your home.
• Never leave an electronic garage opener in the car. It can provide a thief easy access to your home.
  Headed to the beach? Burglars are, too. When you pack the car, bring as few items as possible with you – leave jewelry, watches, laptops, etc at home. Keep any necessary valuables like keys, identification, and credit cards on your person.
• Keep a list of serial numbers (include make and model information, as well) for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in the car, like CD players, stereo faceplates, MP3 players, etc. Keep a copy of this inventory in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. We also suggest that you engrave your driver’s license number on your valuables to aid in their recovery, should they be lost or stolen.
• If your car is burglarized, please report it to the police department immediately.

These simple steps should be used whenever you park your car, whether you are just “running in for a minute” or parking for the evening.

In addition to protecting your own property from criminals, you can be a good neighbor by watching out for suspicious persons or activities in your area. No one knows a neighborhood better than the people who live there, so the Police Department depends on the assistance of concerned, responsible residents to report suspicious persons or activity. If you see something that looks suspicious, call 9-1-1. Suspicious activity may include:

• A person looking into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables left in plain view inside.
• The sound of breaking glass or car alarm could mean a vehicle break-in.
• Any vehicle without lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. Occupants may be “casing” for a burglary.
• Persons walking around a neighborhood pulling on car door handles may be looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from.

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about all suspicious activity. Don’t worry about feeling embarrassed if your suspicions are wrong; think instead about what could happen if your suspicions are right and you don’t call. It is the Police Department’s job to investigate suspicious matters, and any assistance in spotting suspicious persons or activities is appreciated.

We are already a few weeks into Fall, but here is Southern California, that doesn’t mean much. In fact, looking at the current weather, it’s 95 degrees in Torrance right now! To say we’ve seen some funky weather this year is an understatement. However, before Winter arrives, now would be the perfect time to make sure your house and heating system are geared up and ready for the cooler months ahead.  Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before the Winter season:

AROUND YOUR PROPERTY

• Check window wells.  Dry wells and storm drains for debris and/or blockage.
• Repair any driveway cracks and heaved or settled walkways.
• Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
• Drain and store garden hoses.

HOME EXTERIOR

• Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas.  If it’s too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
• Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
• Check and seal any foundation cracks.
• Check and replace weatherstripping on exterior doors and windows as needed.
• Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.

ROOF (you may want to hire a professional)

• Check for loose, damaged or missing roof shingles.
• Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
• Check the condition of chimneys.
• Check and clean all gutters and downspouts.

ATTIC

• Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
• Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
• Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.

INTERIOR ROOMS

• Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
• Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
• Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
• Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
• Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.

HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS

• Clean all elements of the cooling system.
• Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
• Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (should be checked regularly).
• Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
• If present, clean and test the humidifier.
• Have your heating system serviced annually by a licensed HVAC service person before the heating season begins in order to keep all units functioning efficiently and properly.

PLUMBING

• Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
• Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
• Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
• Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leakage or blocked drains.
• Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue!

-The ISU-Olson Duncan Insurance Team