A report commissioned by Halifax Home Insurance polled burglars to learn more about how homes are targeted for theft. What do criminals look out for?
A report released by Halifax Home Insurance in March 2011 used the attitudes and opinions of criminals about to be tried for burglary convictions to learn more about how homes are targeted for break-ins. What do burglars look for and what will put them off trying to break into your property?
This report used a variety of techniques to try and establish how criminals target homes. Participants were, for example, shown photos of properties of varying values and were asked how interested they would be in breaking into each one. The study also used information given during interviews to draw up a list of items that criminals prefer to steal and their methods of spotting them.
Although it may seem that an expensive home with a sports car in the drive would be attractive to a burglar, this proved not to be the case. In fact, many of those polled would avoid trying to break into them at all. This implies that a member of the household would be at home more often and that there was a likelihood of tighter security on the property and the vehicle.
The higher number of rooms in larger properties was also seen as a drawback by some as it made it harder and took longer to find items to steal. According to survey results, semi-detached suburban family homes were the most attractive (average value of £153,000 or £350,000 in London). Detached or semi-rural homes were a turn off (average value of £258,000 or £602,000 in London).
Participants did, however, show an interest in homes that had certain types of vehicles parked outside. Referred to as “company cars,” these tell burglars that the homes are likely to be “tech-heavy” and that occupants have a decent salary but may not have installed security systems. The most attractive models included Mondeos, Passats, Vectras, Audis and Golfs.
Most items are stolen based on street resale value and desirability with cash as an obvious winner. In addition, many burglars will look for games consoles, mobile phones (especially smartphones), jewellery, alcohol and cigarettes, all of which can be disposed of quickly. Many will target properties simply by spotting stuff through windows; some may also look at rubbish bins to see if they can spot evidence of recent purchases.
Bear in mind that it may not always be possible to prevent a home burglary and not all criminals will target properties in the ways described in the report. It is also important to make sure that you have adequate protection from home insurance, just in case the worst happens.
Accessed online May 4, 2011.
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