A new survey has revealed that almost a third of Australians have reported having their home burgled at some point in their lifetime, according to the home and contents insurance experts at Compare the Market Australia.
The most commonly targeted items stolen from Australian homes were electronics, jewellery and money, each reportedly stolen in 32.6% of cases. Vehicle keys were reportedly the least likely item to be stolen from Aussie homes, targeted in only 6.0% of cases. House keys and personal documents tied as the second-least likely (6.3%).
| Most commonly targeted items in home burglaries | |
| Australia | |
| Electronics (Phone, tablet, laptop, phone, etc.) | 32.6% |
| Jewellery | 32.6% |
| Money | 32.6% |
| Watches | 17.6% |
| Other (please specify) | 15.9% |
| Power tools | 15.6% |
| Wallet | 14.3% |
| Designer items | 9.3% |
| Art or collector’s items | 7.0% |
| Personal documents or ID | 6.3% |
| House keys | 6.3% |
| Vehicle keys | 6.0% |
Note: Value total exceeds 100% due to multiple choice
Bedrooms were the most commonly targeted room by thieves, as reported by Australian respondents, with 42.2% of Aussie burglaries occurring within them. Living rooms (31.2%), garages (22.3%) and kitchens (13.3%) followed as the second, third and fourth most stolen from rooms, respectively.
Despite the view that it could be more accessible to would-be thieves, outside of home burglaries occurred much less frequently than inside of home, with only 16.3% of Australian home burglaries reportedly occurring outdoors.
| Most commonly targeted rooms in home theft | |
| Australia | |
| Bedroom | 42.2% |
| Living Room | 31.2% |
| Garage | 22.3% |
| Kitchen | 13.3% |
| Dining room | 11.0% |
| Shed | 8.6% |
| Outside – behind locked gate | 8.3% |
| Outside – accessible area (e.g. front of house) | 8.0% |
| Basement | 6.6% |
| Other (please specify) | 3.0% |
| Attic | 2.0% |
Note: Value total exceeds 100% due to multiple choice
Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes there are ways to help protect your home from theft.
“Break-ins are a common concern for anyone,” Mr Taylor said.
“While, unfortunately, we can’t always completely prevent them, there are many things we can do to help deter thieves and protect our home.
“Prominent security devices, motion-sensor lighting and ensuring you lock your doors and windows are among just some of the ways you can secure your belongings.
“For when that fails, home and contents insurance can bridge that gap and potentially help you cover the costs of damage or stolen items due to a break-in, provided they are covered by your policy.
“When searching for home and contents insurance, it pays to compare your options to ensure you find the right deal for you and your home.”
For full data, assets and methodology, please visit: Most Stolen Household Items
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For interviews and more information, please contact:
Lachlan Moore | [email protected]
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