Burglary Study

Half of all home burglaries occur during the summer months in Michigan when many homeowners are vacationing. According to the Michigan State Police, July and August have the greatest number of burglaries with over 4,000 each month in 2013. Lori Conarton of the Insurance Institute of Michigan says increased resident awareness, cooperation with neighbors and the implementation of certain safeguards could help reduce residential burglaries. She says one way to deter burglars is to make the house appear occupied even when it’s not. Inexpensive timers can be installed to switch lights and radios off and on at different times in various parts of the house. According to Conarton, one of the most effective deterrents against burglary has been the use of neighborhood watch groups, which are often organized with the aid of local law enforcement.