Summer thefts spike as insurers warn of rising break-ins—learn how to protect your home
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As the mercury rises and Australians start to plan their holiday getaways, home security is an important consideration that often gets overlooked in the excitement of summer.
Unfortunately, the season of relaxation and travel can also be a prime time for opportunistic thieves, and insurers are sounding the alarm about a significant spike in summer thefts.
Take the unfortunate experience of Patricia Onus from Toowoomba, whose home was ransacked while her family was away celebrating a joyous occasion.
Despite taking numerous precautions to secure their home, including installing security screens on all but one window, this single vulnerability allowed thieves to break in.
They stole not only their possessions but also their sense of security.`
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 185,000 households were broken into during 2022-23.
Insurance giant NRMA has released data indicating a staggering 40 per cent increase in theft claims during the summer months compared to the rest of the year.
This trend is particularly pronounced in Western Australia, with a 69 per cent spike, followed by Queensland at 42 per cent, New South Wales and the ACT at 24 per cent, and South Australia at 16 per cent.
Thieves often target items that can be quickly sold for cash, such as bicycles, power tools, and small tech devices.
In a surprising twist, there's also been an uptick in the theft of hot water systems and copper piping, driven by the high market value of copper, which can fetch upwards of $14 a kilogram.
January has been pinpointed as the peak month for break-ins, accounting for 10 per cent of theft claims.
NRMA insurance executive general manager for retail claims, Luke Gallagher, explained that the holiday season is a prime time for burglars, as many homes are left unattended while residents are away celebrating.
Research by NRMA shows that while 46 per cent of people plan to travel for four or more consecutive days, less than half arrange for someone to keep an eye on their property.
Only 13 per cent pause their mail deliveries.
Overflowing letterboxes and parcels at the doorstep are telltale signs for thieves that a house is unoccupied.
To combat this, Mr Gallagher recommends several proactive measures.
Managing your mail, informing neighbours, or asking family and friends to watch your property are good starting points.
Additionally, installing security cameras and motion sensor lights can act as effective deterrents.
Thieves are less likely to target a home if they know they're being watched.
Another critical area to secure is the garage, which is the entry point for 18 per cent of break-ins.
Garages often have low windows and doors that lead to the primary residence, making them attractive to burglars.
In addition to adding cameras and lights, it's also wise to ensure that if your garage remote is kept in your car, the vehicle is locked to prevent access to your home.
What steps do you take to protect your home on vacation? Do you think security cameras and lights help stop burglars? Let us know in the comments below.
Unfortunately, the season of relaxation and travel can also be a prime time for opportunistic thieves, and insurers are sounding the alarm about a significant spike in summer thefts.
Take the unfortunate experience of Patricia Onus from Toowoomba, whose home was ransacked while her family was away celebrating a joyous occasion.
Despite taking numerous precautions to secure their home, including installing security screens on all but one window, this single vulnerability allowed thieves to break in.
A Toowoomba family's home was ransacked during the holiday despite security measures. Credit: iStock
They stole not only their possessions but also their sense of security.`
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 185,000 households were broken into during 2022-23.
Insurance giant NRMA has released data indicating a staggering 40 per cent increase in theft claims during the summer months compared to the rest of the year.
This trend is particularly pronounced in Western Australia, with a 69 per cent spike, followed by Queensland at 42 per cent, New South Wales and the ACT at 24 per cent, and South Australia at 16 per cent.
Thieves often target items that can be quickly sold for cash, such as bicycles, power tools, and small tech devices.
In a surprising twist, there's also been an uptick in the theft of hot water systems and copper piping, driven by the high market value of copper, which can fetch upwards of $14 a kilogram.
January has been pinpointed as the peak month for break-ins, accounting for 10 per cent of theft claims.
NRMA insurance executive general manager for retail claims, Luke Gallagher, explained that the holiday season is a prime time for burglars, as many homes are left unattended while residents are away celebrating.
Research by NRMA shows that while 46 per cent of people plan to travel for four or more consecutive days, less than half arrange for someone to keep an eye on their property.
Only 13 per cent pause their mail deliveries.
Overflowing letterboxes and parcels at the doorstep are telltale signs for thieves that a house is unoccupied.
To combat this, Mr Gallagher recommends several proactive measures.
Managing your mail, informing neighbours, or asking family and friends to watch your property are good starting points.
Additionally, installing security cameras and motion sensor lights can act as effective deterrents.
Thieves are less likely to target a home if they know they're being watched.
Another critical area to secure is the garage, which is the entry point for 18 per cent of break-ins.
Garages often have low windows and doors that lead to the primary residence, making them attractive to burglars.
In addition to adding cameras and lights, it's also wise to ensure that if your garage remote is kept in your car, the vehicle is locked to prevent access to your home.
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