Protect Your Vehicle after the Spree of Shrewsbury Car Break-Ins

parked carIf your car is parked in your driveway, garage, or close to home, you may think that it is safe and sound. Think again. A car burglary, break-in, or theft could happen at any moment. If you live in Shrewsbury or a surrounding town, you should take car theft seriously by protecting your auto, especially during the nighttime.

In July, for two weeks the Shrewsbury Police Department arrested five people who committed car break-ins at the Shrewsbury Green and Shrewsbury Commons apartments. First, two teens were arrested when officials caught them breaking into into vehicles at the Green. They were charged with larceny over $250 and nighttime breaking and entering into a motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony. In addition, three more people were arrested after allegedly breaking into cars at the Apartments. The burglars were each charged with breaking and entering a vehicle/boat in the nighttime and larceny over $250.

What if these crimes occurred on your property? If you leave your vehicle unattended or unlocked, this gives a robber the perfect opportunity to take your car. Reduce your chances of becoming a victim by following these tips:

Park in well-lighted areas both away from and at home. In addition, when you park, lock all the doors and your garage door.
Install a steering-wheel lock and an ignition disabler to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car.
Never include your name and address on your keys.
Hide your registration papers in a safe place so a thief can’t steal your personal information too.
At Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, we hope these tips will help you avoid car theft in the future. It is important that you teach everyone in your family these methods so your car can remain safeguarded. Another protective measure you can take is to have auto insurance. We offer personalized services to help you choose a policy and coverage that matches your unique needs. Our team understands how important your vehicle’s safety is, so when you come to us, you will feel safe.

As Temperatures Drop, Don’t let Your Fireplace cause an Accidental House Fire!

fireThe cold weather is coming quicker than you may think. As temperatures drop, it may be time to start up the fire place. Your children may enjoy sitting in front of the fire on crisp cold nights and sharing fun stories. Your fire place may also be a central meeting area for guests and family members. Whatever the case may be, it is important to put safety first, or problems could ensue. The last thing you want to happen is damage to your home due to an accidental house fire.

Whether you have a wood, metal, or another type of stove, you should be aware of the potential accidents that could occur. This is especially true if the fire place is the primary source for heat in the house. Here are some tips that can help you and your family take the proper precautions for protection:

  • Before you light the first fire of the season, make sure your chimney has been inspected. This should be done by a certified specialist so no one gets hurt.
  • Never burn other materials in the fire place besides seasoned hardwood. Putting cardboard, paper, or flammable liquids in there is not a good idea.
  • Keep the front area of the fireplace clean by removing all flammable items surrounding it. Have your family help you keep this space organized and clear of debris.
  • Stack the firewood you use for the stove at least 30 feet away from your home. This is for safety so if a fire were to start, more damage will not occur.
  • Every year, make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.

At Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, we hope these fireplace safety tips help you make it through the fall and winter with no fire problems. If a fire does grow out of control, immediately contact your local fire department. In addition, having the right level of home insurance can help protect you from financial loss when the unexpected occurs. The goal of our team is to make sure that Massachusetts residents understand their insurance options. Our dedication to your needs makes us different than the rest!

PINK…Lighting the Way to a Cure!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a special time of year to honor and remember those effected by this disease. According to cancer.org, Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer and 1 in 8 women in the United States will get it during their lifetime. This is why it is time to find a cure! Help us support the research here at UMass Worcester. PINK…Lighting the Way is a fundraiser that is doing just that.

PINK

There are a few ways to show your support for breast cancer research and patient care through the PINK foundation. Join the team of doctors, survivors and patients for the amazing night of hope and inspiration. All will speak as to how breast cancer has come into their lives and affected them. Come see the building lit up PINK! Details for the event are:

Thursday October 10th
The Albert Sherman Center at UMass Medical 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester
Registration starts at 5:30
Speakers begin at 6:00
Reception to follow
If you are not able to make this wonderful night of incredible stories and research advances, please donate to help locally support breast cancer. Go to http://www.umassmed.edu/development/pink.aspx and make a donation. Every donation counts. We proudly support this foundation and have personal connections to some of the speakers who are survivors. As survivors and fighters, these women are amazing, strong and determined. They are truly awesome!