News

Apartment thieves „work” more during summer vacation

It is necessary to think always about your property and its protection against thieves, but in summer you should pay special attention to this matter - statistics show that more than one third of the thefts of a year are committed just in the summer.

In the spring of 2009, the agency „TNS Latvia” conducted a survey ordered by JSIC „Seesam Latvia” to gather views on various risks, to which the dwellings may be exposed. Interviewees as the most probable potential risks mentioned the burglary or robbery - this response were given by 35% of the respondents.

The survey findings suggest that about 65% of the persons surveyed are concerned about the risk of theft.

In 2009 there were registered 4133 thefts from apartments in Latvia in total – in average 11 thefts every day, and almost one half part of these thefts were committed in Riga. Already in the beginning of this year (first quarter), the number of thefts has grown by about 10% compared with the same period of the past year. And this trend will continue. When the weather becomes warmer, house windows often are left half-open. This "facilitates" the job of thieves, who are particularly happy for laptops, video equipment, photo equipment - valuable objects that are easy to carry away – left in a conspicuous place.

Information available to JSIC „Seesam Latvia” shows that 35 % of the entire number of thefts are committed in summer.

To protect your home from uninvited guests, you should be careful and take care of your property.

Even if the window is open in the ventilation mode, it facilitates the “work” of a thief making your home more accessible. Special care must be taken by persons living in the first and the second floor - 30% of thefts are committed upon entering the apartment through a window.

Approximately in 40% of cases, the thieves enter the apartment or home by forcing open the door or unlocking the door with a skeleton-key, so it is appropriate to buy as safe door as possible and equip the door with a secure lock.

Thieves are attracted also by overcrowded mailboxes, which is a rather direct indication that the apartment owner is not home. To avoid unhealthy temptation to thieves to 'visit' the apartment during a period of longer absence, you can ask your neighbours or some friends to empty your mailbox regularly.

• The door should always be kept locked - even when you're home.
• Children should be sternly told not to open the door to strangers.
• It is recommended to equip your home with a security alarm system.

If the thieves, nevertheless, have entered your apartment, the losses caused by them would be compensated by the insurer, if the belongings situated in the apartment had been insured. Statistics of „Seesam Latvia” show that insurance idemnity for damage caused by thieves to a landlord is ranging range from 500 to 1000 LVL in average.

The „Istabas Polise (Room Policy)” of „Seesam Latvia” is a convenient and advantageous insurance product enabling you to receive compensation for losses caused by thieves. This offer is financially affordable to each household – insurance policy price is starting from 20 LVL/year (for a one-room apartment). This amount of money will cover insurance not only of your apartment but also of the property located in the apartment of value up to 5000 LVL.

AAS „Seesam Latvia” has taken special care of simplification of purchase of the „Istabas Polise (Room Policy)”. For convenience of potential customers, we have created the website www.IstabasPolise.lv.

Advice on property insurance in „Seesam Latvia” may be obtained via the information 24-hours phone 67 06 10 00.

Additional information:

Dace Gertnere

PR and Marketing Department Head

JSIC "Seesam Latvia"

PR and Marketing Department

Vienības gatve 87H, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia

Tel. No. +371 67 06 10 29

Fax No. +371 67 06 10 22

dace.gertnere(a)seesam.lv, http://www.seesam.lv