Burglaries Heat-Up in the Summer Months: Aviva

Aviva Canada warns break-ins most prevalent on Fridays

June 9, 2010 – (Toronto, ON) – Every year, Canadians eagerly await the first signs of summer but, along with warmer weather, homeowners should also be mindful for increased incidents of residential break-ins. Aviva Canada Inc., one of the country’s leading providers of home, auto, leisure and business insurance, is reminding homeowners to be on alert this summer and take the necessary steps to safeguard their homes from summer burglaries.

Aviva insurance claims data shows that burglary frequencies peak in the summer months, starting with a 4 per cent increase over the monthly average in June and followed by increases of 9 per cent and 20 per cent in July and August respectively. The number of break-ins also increases towards the end of the week, with the highest number occurring on Fridays. A burglary is 28 per cent more likely to happen on a Friday than a Sunday.

“Vacations during summer months take many Canadians away from their homes and these unoccupied residences are attractive targets for burglars,” said Wayne Ross, Vice President of National Property Claims at Aviva Canada. “Homeowners need to be vigilant in safeguarding their property to avoid losing high value or priceless sentimental items.”

And since 2002, the average dollar value of the articles stolen from burglaries has increased 24 per cent from $4,476 to $5,560 in 2009 – attributable to the popularity of easy to grab valuable items like laptops, cell phones and video game consoles. Based on 2005-2009 Aviva Canada data, Quebec homeowners have the highest number of break-ins, with claims two times that of the national average. At ten times below the national average, Newfoundland has the least number of burglary claims.

Province

 

Frequency of Burglaries (vs. National Average)

 

Quebec

199% of national average

 +2.0 times

Manitoba

146% of national average

 +1.5 times

British Columbia

125% of national average

 +1.2 times

Saskatchewan

124% of national average

 +1.2 times

Alberta

103% of national average

 Equal to national average

Yukon

91% of national average

 -1.1 times

Ontario

79% of national average

 -1.3 times

Nunavut

51% of national average

 – 2.0 times

Northwest Territories

51% of national average

 – 2.0 times

Prince Edward Island

49% of national average

 – 2.0 times

Nova Scotia

44% of national average

 – 2.3 times

New Brunswick

43% of national average

 – 2.3 times

Newfoundland

9% of national average

 -10.9 times

“Intruders usually enter your home through one of three ways – through the basement, forcing entry through a window or door, or simply opening an unlocked door or window,” said Ross. “Homeowners can take simple precautions to avoid these types of entries and prevent an intruder from entering the property.”

Aviva Canada suggests these precautions:

  • Ensure all windows are locked. If your windows are old, consider upgrading newer models with improved locking systems;
  • Make a home look occupied when occupants are away. Try parking a car in the driveway, leaving some household lights on, or asking a neighbour to collect mail and newspapers;
  • Install a security device with a loud alarm or flashing lights. Some alarms even contact authorities directly when they have been activated;
  • Use deadbolt locks on all doors, and when moving into a new property have the locks changed.

If you do return home to find you’ve been the victim of a burglary, Aviva offers a single point of contact to begin the claims process as quickly and efficiently as possible. The toll-free claims line is 1-866-MY AVIVA, and it’s open 24/7 so clients can talk to an Aviva Claims Care Advisor immediately.

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading Property and Casualty insurance groups in Canada, providing home, automobile and business insurance to more than three million customers. Our group of companies has more than 3,300 employees, 40 locations and more than 1,700 independent broker partners. Aviva Canada products and services are delivered across the country under the following brands: Aviva, Aviva Pilot, Aviva Traders, Aviva Elite, Aviva Scottish & York and through S&Y Insurance Company. Aviva Canada Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the world’s fifth largest insurance group. Please visit our web site at avivacanada.com.