Eight Ways to Prevent Roommate Theft

ERIE, Pa., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- College students, and many 20-somethings, often find themselves living with a roommate or two. While splitting rent and utilities can be great, it can also be tricky if that $20 bill on top of your dresser goes missing or the tablet you left on your desk mysteriously disappears.

Have a conversation with your roommate about what you are willing to share.

Roommate theft can be hard to tackle if there isn't any clear-cut evidence or if your roommate is a friend. It's important to have the right insurance to protect you as well. Erie Insurance offers these eight tips to help you secure your stuff and prevent roommate theft.

Communicate. When first moving in with your new roommate, be sure to discuss what you feel comfortable borrowing or lending out. Letting them know up front if you don't like sharing food, clothes, electronics or money will help set up a general guideline both of you can follow.
Don't leave items out. Leaving something unattended or out in the open increases the opportunity for someone to notice it and take it. Wallets, phones, your keys and ID cards are easy to snatch when you aren't looking. Hold on to sensitive items, and if you aren't using them, put them somewhere safe.
Don't give out private information. This includes your passwords, social security number or any personal information that could help someone gain access into your room or bank account. Lending out your keys or swipe cards can also put your items at risk.
Limit what you say on social media. While you may be itching to update your status and post what an amazing deal you got on that new laptop, you'd also be letting everyone know you have a fancy new piece of technology in your room. Be careful what you post.
Engrave high-value items. Engraving your initials or a personal message on your electronics or other pricier items can make it more difficult for a thief to sell them, possibly deterring them from stealing it all together. It also makes it easier for any items to be returned to you.
Lock your door. It may sound like common sense, but if you don't share a bedroom with your roommate, lock your door when you're not home. Likewise, if your roommate is throwing a party or inviting friends over that you may not trust, locking your door is an easy way to prevent strangers from entering without your permission.
Invest in a safe. A safe can help you securely store cash, credit cards, jewelry and more. Learn more about what to look for when shopping for a safe.
Install a security camera. Smart home technology is getting better and more affordable for a college student's budget. Many security cameras are under $100. Just make sure to tell your roommate you're installing a camera. Just knowing there's a camera on the premises can be a deterrent.

If the worst does happen, you'll want to have the right insurance. Depending on the circumstances, and the specifics of your policy, your stolen stuff could be covered under your or your parents' homeowners insurance; or your own renters insurance. Finding a local ERIE agent in your neighborhood will help to answer questions, simplify things and help you get the insurance you need – and nothing you don't.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

Erie Insurance. (PRNewsFoto/Erie Insurance) (PRNewsfoto/Erie Insurance)