An Insurance Agent's Story

On Mother's Day weekend 2013 my family prepared for their first camping trip of the season. Excited for our first outing, we pulled our camper over in front of our house for several hours as we filled the water tank, loaded all the clean bedding, and filled the cupboards with the weekend's groceries. Unbeknownst to us, we were being watched and our house was being cased by burglars. When we came home that Sunday after camping we found the interior of our home turned completely upside down. All the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen were wide open and there were items thrown all over. Every nook and cranny in the bathrooms and bedrooms were torn open and everything in the dressers and closets were thrown out on the floors. The mattresses were moved half way off the beds... it was a mess!

We called the Billings Police Department right away and the officer who came to our home explained this has become a very common occurrence in Billings recently. The officer said the burglars watch and wait until dark and then while wearing gloves they enter the homes through areas that are usually hidden from the street outside of neighbors' view. He said they're basically looking for quick, easy to grab items such as jewelry, cash, weapons and prescription drugs; mostly things they can carry out in their pockets. These stolen items are rarely recovered and the perpetrators just move onto their next victims. However, what lasts for a very long time is the sense of uneasiness, insecurity, and victimization that you feel. It's a traumatic experience.

How can you avoid this same thing happening to you?

If at all possible DO NOT load your camper or recreational vehicle while it's parked in front of your home. Be aware of your surroundings and the people who may be watching you. Be cautious at all times, even in the daylight hours. You also may want to consider a centrally monitored home security system for your protection. There are several companies who have various levels of security systems and the monthly costs are quite inexpensive when you consider the level of comfort and protection they provide. Plus there's usually a discount that can be applied on your home insurance policy when you have a security system installed!

Give us a call or stop in and we can explain more about home security systems and the discounts that can be applied to your home insurance policy.