Halifax Home Insurance Uses Burglars to Learn About Theft Trends

May 4, 2011
Carol Finch

How do Burglars Target a Home? - Image by immrchris

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?

Using the Criminal Mind to Deconstruct Burglary Habits

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.

Burglars Avoid High Value Properties and Expensive Cars

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).

Criminals Favour Homes With Company Cars

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.

What do Burglars Want to Steal From Your Home?

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.

How to Protect Your Home From Break-ins

Few of us can afford the obvious solution here of upgrading to a more expensive home or buying a Porsche to park in the drive. There are, however, ways that you can minimise your chances of being burgled. Ideas include:

Get into the habit of locking all doors and windows when you aren't at home and keep keys/spare sets out of sight and reach.
Don't leave valuable or theft-attractive items in window view anywhere in the home.
Leave a light on or a radio playing when you are out of the house to make it look occupied.
Install security systems or a even a simple security light.
Make sure that locks are sturdy and fit window locks if you don't have them.
Assess ease of entry and make access harder from the back of your property.
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and/or make arrangements with neighbours to keep an eye on your house during holidays/time away from home.
Don't leave packaging from valuable purchases in clear sight (i.e. by the bin) and try to break it up and hide it in bags.

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.