Homes are cherished as sanctuaries of safety and comfort. Yet, despite a homeowner’s best efforts, they can sometimes fall prey to the opportunistic hands of thieves. Imagine coming home after a long day, only to find your front door ajar and your belongings scattered. It’s a nightmare scenario that many Australians face every year, as home burglaries remain a common threat.
While you may think your home is secure, thieves often know exactly what to look for and where to find it. So, what are the valuables most at risk in Australian households—and how can you protect them?
Recent data from an insurance giant has shed light on the most pilfered possessions in Australian homes, and the findings may prompt you to reassess your home security measures. The list of the most claimed stolen goods is a veritable variety of valuables, with easily transportable and sellable items unsurprisingly topping the charts.
With the rise of online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, certain household items have become hot commodities for criminals looking to make a quick profit.
The ‘miscellaneous’ category reigns supreme, encompassing a variety of personal belongings such as wallets, handbags, artworks, and sunglasses. These items are not only valuable but also portable, making them prime targets for theft.
Following closely behind are various types of jewellery, which have long been favoured by burglars due to their high value and ease of concealment.
However, the single most stolen item that has experts raising the alarm is the humble bicycle. In particular, high-end electronic bikes have become a frequent target, thanks to their popularity and substantial resale value in the thriving second-hand market.
Bike groups have uncovered a common tactic among thieves: stashing stolen bikes away for a period to let them ‘cool off’ before they’re sold online, or even using them for personal transport.
Surprisingly, electronics, which are typically among the most valuable items in a home, only ranked fifth on the list. This category includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and smartwatches. Despite their worth, it seems that the allure of other items has surpassed tech gadgets in the eyes of thieves.
Another unexpected entry on the list is exercise equipment, which, despite its bulk and the challenge of transportation, has made it to the tenth spot. The high cost of brand-new gym gear has driven a surge in the second-hand market, making pilfered weights and treadmills a lucrative steal.
Chris Ford, a spokesperson for Compare the Market, points out that ‘opportunistic thieves’ are on the hunt for ‘quick wins’—items that can be easily traded or used by the thieves themselves.
He echoes the sentiment that bikes are particularly vulnerable, as a thief can simply ride away unnoticed. Ford also notes that while traditional pawnbrokers are vigilant against stolen goods, online marketplaces have unwittingly made it easier for criminals to sell their ill-gotten gains to unsuspecting buyers.
In light of these revelations, homeowners are urged to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage. While policies often have limits for specific categories, such as electronics, jewellery, or artwork—unless they are individually listed as specified contents—proper documentation, like receipts or photographs, can streamline the claims process and guarantee fair compensation.
To safeguard your treasures, it is recommended to take proactive steps such as securing all doors and windows, hiding valuables from plain sight, and regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policy.
Ford suggests photographing your belongings, particularly unique or sentimental items, to aid assessors in the event of a claim. Local alarms, security cameras, motion-detecting lights, and general vigilance can also deter would-be burglars.
It’s also crucial to check your insurance cover and compare policies at least once a year to ensure you’re adequately protected. As you accumulate more possessions and the cost of replacing certain items fluctuates, staying on top of your policy is more important than ever.
So, take a moment to consider the security of your valuables. By being proactive, you can help ensure that your home remains the safe haven it’s meant to be.
To summarise, here are the top 10 items most likely to be stolen in Australian homes, according to Allianz’s data:
1. Various valuable items (art pieces, handbags, wallets, and sunglasses)
2. A variety of jewellery pieces
3. Bicycles
4. Keys and remote control devices
5. Electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, laptops, and tablets
6. Hand and power tools
7. Money
8. Apparel
9. Household appliances
10. Fitness equipment
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Have you experienced theft of any of these items? What measures have you taken to protect your valuables? Share your stories and tips in the comments below to help fellow Australians stay one step ahead of thieves.
Also read: The eerie doorstep delivery that sparked a security scare
The thieves who broke into my house last year were very discriminating. They didn’t take my handbag or wallet, just the credit/debit cards and paper money. (At least I didn’t have to replace my licence, pension card etc). They also took my keys, opened my garage and stole my car, which I thought was safely locked in a locked garage.