Falling victim to a
burglary is always devastating…
Falling victim to a burglary
is always devastating, but having your possessions stolen from a self-storage
unit can come as a surprise.
In the same way you may rely
on alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs to protect your home from
burglars.
You should be
proactive about preventing theft at your self-storage unit.
- Check your unit on a regular basis.
- Make an inventory of everything in your unit.
This might seem like a pain, but it will be invaluable in the event
something is taken. Make sure your inventory is accompanied with clear,
well-lit photographs.
- Use your own lock. Take the
time to choose a lock that will hold up against bolt cutters. You should avoid buying a lock with a
long shackle, which is the loop that passes through or around the object
you’re locking. Instead, purchase a disc lock or a cylinder lock, both of which are difficult
to cut.
- Know what not to put in
your storage unit. Don’t put
anything in your storage unit that insurance won’t cover in the event of a
loss. For example, cash and fine
jewelry are better stored in a bank safety deposit box.
If your unit is burglarized,
make sure to file a report with your local police department.