Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 5, 2009. The thought of a criminal invading your home is a devastating reality for thousands of Arizonans who have been victims of this crime. October is Crime Prevention Month, a time AAA Arizona encourages home owners to review steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

“When it comes to home burglaries, many home owners are of the mindset that it won’t happen to them,” said Brad Oltmans, vice president of insurance services for AAA Arizona. “Unfortunately, that way of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Burglary has remained fairly stable in Arizona, according to most recent statistics. According to the FBI, 56,000 Arizona homes were burglarized in 2008, a decline of nearly two percent from 2007.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Western portion of the nation, which includes Arizona, experiences the highest rates of property crime overall in the nationcountry. AAA Arizona insurance experts cite a wide array of reasons why the state is a prime target for property crimes, including population growth, urbanization and the abandonment of homes as a result of the recession.

“The good news is that are a number of steps home owners can take to reduce their risk of burglary,” added Oltmans. “In fact, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that as many as 90 percent of residential break-ins could have been prevented with inexpensive measures.”

In observance of Crime Prevention Month, AAA Arizona would like to offer the following tips for home owners in order to lessen their likelihood of becoming the victim of a home burglary:

• Close and lock all house and garage doors as well as windows. If you have a sliding glass door, invest in a slide lock or insert a wooden dowel rod into the track to limit the door’s movement. This simple measure is added security, yet one that criminals count on you not doing.

• If you have an alarm, use it. In addition, be sure to post alarm system decals and signs on your property.

• Remove all spare keys that are "hidden" under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the house.

• Install bright outdoor lighting with motion detection. The ideal place for motion sensors is above the garage door. With that placement, it provides security to the centermost part of your home.

• Do not leave valuables on display near any windows. Consider storing valuables such as cash and jewelry in a sturdy safe. However, it is important to note that small, mobile safes offer a false sense of security as they can be easily carted away with the contents inside.

• Maintain landscaping to maximize lighting and minimize overgrown bushes or trees that could serve as a hiding place.

• Refrain from sharing your daily routine or travel plans with strangers who can discern your address. In addition, be mindful of sharing this information on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
• If you suspect an intruder is in your home, do not enter and call 911 immediately.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.