Sheriff’s office captain cautions residents to safeguard valuables

By Sun Advocate

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office cautions the public to be diligent about safeguarding valuables and is offering some tips to increase personal security.
Capt. Guy Adams said the sheriff’s office recently conducted investigations into several burglaries in Carbon County.
Adams said the evidence indicated that most of the suspects in the cases apparently entered the residences prior to the incidents, then returned at a later time to commit the crimes.
Carbon County residents, who find themselves in a situation that requires them to allow strangers into homes, should follow several preventative measures.
The most important thing to do is to supervise the individuals who may be performing tasks at residences, pointed out Adams.
People should make sure the individuals don’t have access to areas of the house that are unnecessary for the jobs.
The sheriff’s captain said the number one item reported missing is prescription medications.
To avoid the problem, residents should always keep medications hidden or locked in a safe, advised Adams. It is never a good idea to keep medications in bathrooms or on counter tops where the items are easily accessible.
The idea is to safeguard personal belongings on a regular basis. It is possiblesomething criminal may happen, according to Adams.
“With the economy the way it is right now, we are seeing a lot of crimes performed by individuals who wouldn’t usually engage in such activities,” said Adams.
According to law enforcement authorities, there is no way of knowing people’s intentions when citizens let the individuals into their homes, including friends and acquaintances.
Residents should secure all belongings and make lists of valuable items as well as important serial numbers.
“We recommend that you never allow contractors, servicemen or anyone you are not familiar with into your home unsupervised,” explained Adams. “If it is unavoidable that you leave while they are there, we strongly recommend that you have someone you trust present and try to inspect your home as soon as possible, just as a precaution.”
The Insurance Information Institute has created a few helpful tips to assist residents in the process of being prepared to minimize risk.
According to the institute, having home inventories handy can speed up the claims filing process, verify losses for tax returns and help people purchase adequate coverage to protect valuables.
Residents should make a list of all possessions, where the valuables were purchased and how much was paid for items.
When it comes to inventorying electrical equipment and appliances, the institute suggests recording serial or product numbers. The information can typically be found underneath and along the backside of electrical equipment and appliances.
Antiques, artwork and jewelry can be particularly devastating to lose. People should single the items out on lists and it’s a good idea to have an appraisal done so the appropriate amount of coverage can be obtained.
According to the institute, consumers should ask an agent if the items will be covered by the home insurance policy. Some item may not be covered under a standard policy. A policy extension or rider may need to be purchased to ensure coverage.
“It is better to be safe than sorry,” said Wendy Leonard with Farm Bureau Insurance. “Most people are under insured, but unfortunately never realize it until disaster strikes and its too late.”