ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 21, 2002—

Every Who in Who-ville is seeking a happy and safe holiday season this year, but there are those with hearts “two sizes too small” who are seeking new gifts at your expense, reminds the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and its Trusted Choice^SM member agencies.

An independent consumer survey conducted for IIABA finds that about one in 10 Americans (9.4 percent) have been robbed or burglarized during the holiday season. FBI crime statistics show that the month of December has the second-highest incidence rate for both robberies and motor- vehicle thefts. However, only about half of the consumers surveyed say they take such simple holiday safety precautions as breaking down or concealing the empty boxes that once held their brand new DVD player or children’s toys. Instead, they place them on the curb in plain view for looming burglars to know what awaits them inside the home.

"Holiday theft can happen to you," warns Madelyn Flannagan, IIABA vice president of education and research. "It is very easy to be consumed by the hectic pace that this season brings, but everyone needs to take time and put family and home safety at the top of their holiday wish list."

Empty Boxes Out On The Curb
"Only half of the population appears to be aware of the risks involved with tossing an empty box out on the curb. That figure needs to be 100 percent," stresses Flannagan. "Everyone is a target of holiday thieves. The box from your new computer is an open invitation. Boxes from toys inform criminals that you have children." After opening gifts, independent agents and brokers urge recipients to break down all boxes into small pieces and discard them in non-clear trash bags.

Lock Your Doors
Home Burglaries Homes are most often targeted during the holidays, particularly because owners are more likely to be away visiting relatives while their new, expensive gifts remain unattended inside. Independent agents and brokers urge everyone to lock all doors and windows even when leaving home for a short period of time. Furthermore, leave spare keys with a neighbor rather than hiding them outside. Cindy Webster of Palm Harbor, Fla., learned why both recommendations are vitally important when her house was burglarized on New Year’s Eve. “We left at 8 p.m. to go have dinner and we were home by 10, it happened that quick!” she recalls. “They used our hidden key. The police told us that burglars know exactly where to look for spare keys. They are not fooled by fake rocks and other hiding places.”

Auto Thefts and Break-Ins
Whether parked in your driveway or a mall parking lot, your automobile is one of the most common targets for thieves seeking expensive gifts during the holiday season. Lauren Locke of Boston, Mass., suffered the ill fate of having her car broken into on Christmas Eve while parked in a driveway. “All of my wrapped presents were stolen, which was especially heartbreaking that year having just returned from a semester abroad in Japan—all of my gifts were either handmade in my pottery class in Japan or purchased at various locations and famous sites throughout that country.” Locke says she has taken precautions since. “Now, I really make it so that you can’t see anything of value in the car. Nothing in the back seat.”

Gifts In Your Trunk
Independent agents and brokers urge everyone to bring gifts into homes with you overnight rather than leaving them in your car. When shopping, put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.

Cards and Cash You Carry With You
Watch Yourself! IIABA’s survey shows that about one in four Americans carry more cash and credit cards on them during the holiday season. Independent agents and brokers urge consumers to use a single credit card when holiday shopping rather than carrying several different credit cards or large amounts of cash. To have freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with packages when leaving a store—you cannot defend yourself with your arms full of bundles. Keep purses zipped and close to your body in your possession rather than leaving it in your shopping cart. Avoid walking alone and leave stores well before closing time for a more active parking lot.

Other Holiday Tips to Consider

Party Host Liability
In many states, individuals and employers hosting holiday parties can be held liable when a guest or third party is injured in an accident related to alcohol consumption. Review your homeowners, renter’s or comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance policy to ensure you have adequate liability coverage in the event you are sued and found liable for the actions of a guest who drank at your home or business party.

Holiday Fires
‘Tis the season for holiday fires—Christmas Tree, candle and fireplace safety is essential.