Brisbane Burglary Hotspots Revealed
Brisbane homeowners have been warned to be vigilant about home security this Easter after recent research revealed an increase in break-ins over the holiday period.
The research conducted by leading insurer, Suncorp, revealed that while many homeowners were taking a well earned break, thieves were hard at work targeting homes left unoccupied for the holidays.
The research also showed that thieves are targeting Brisbane’s southside with Loganlea topping the list for the highest frequency of burglary claims.
Underwood, Murarrie, Woodridge, Beenleigh, Annerley, Wakerley, Calamvale and Woolloongabba were other southside suburbs in Brisbane’s top ten burglary hotspots.
Lyndell Fraser, head of home insurance at Suncorp, said the research results demonstrated the importance of being vigilant about home security, particular around holiday periods.
“Thieves know that more people are away at this time of year, so it’s even more important than ever that home owners are security conscious.”
It also appears that thieves may have taken a particular liking to the finer things in life, with jewellery topping the list as the item most often stolen.
“Jewellery followed by cash, cameras and camcorders are the most popular targets for thieves, because they are small, easy to steal and less likely to attract attention, unlike bigger household items,” Ms Fraser said.
“IPods, PDAs, CDs and mobile phones, along with game consoles, DVD players and tools are also high on the list.”
Ms Fraser said home owners could take a few simple steps to protect their possessions, to ensure the Easter Bunny is the only one paying them a surprise visit over the break.
Before going away homeowners should:
- Install key operated window locks, deadlocks or dead latches on all windows, external doors and glass sliding doors.
- Cancel deliveries such as newspapers and ask a neighbour to collect mail.
- Arrange for gardens to be kept tidy and for rubbish bins to be taken out on collection day and then put away.
- Ask a trustworthy neighbour to keep an eye on the house and let the police know the house will be unoccupied for an extended period.
- Set timers on lights and electrical appliances to go on and off at appropriate times.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to park their car in the driveway, if planning a driving holiday.
- Avoid leaving keys hidden outside the house. The first place thieves look is under mats, in pot plants and fuse boxes.
Ms Fraser also stressed the importance of locking all outside doors and windows and turning on the alarm whenever leaving the house, whether going away for ten days or going out for ten minutes.
Ms Fraser said it wasn’t just during holiday season that homeowners should be vigilant, with one in ten burglaries occurring while someone was at home.
“It’s not uncommon for thieves to take advantage of homeowners leaving a door or window unlocked while they are in the backyard or another part of the house,” Ms Fraser said.
“The most common entry points that a thief will gain entry to a premises are via a window, door, sliding door, through the garage or through the roof.
“Being security conscious at all times can significantly reduce the chance of a breakin,” she said.
Ms Fraser said it was important that all homeowners regularly review their home and contents insurance to ensure their level of cover reflected their current circumstances.
She said homeowners could minimise their exposure to underinsurance by logging onto the replacement value calculators on the Suncorp website (www.suncorp.com.au) or consulting valuation and building experts.
Notes to editors:
The table below shows the areas from which Suncorp has received the highest frequency of theft-related claims, 2006.
| 1. Loganlea | |
| 2. Underwood | |
| 3. Murarrie | |
| 4. Burbank | |
| 5. Woodridge | |
| 6. Beenleigh | |
| 7. Annerley | |
| 8. Wakerley | |
| 9. Calamvale | |
| 10. Woolloongabba | |
The table below shows the items most often stolen:
| Item | % of claims |
| Jewellery | 22% |
| Cash | 15% |
| Digital still camera and camcorders | 12% |
| Game / console | 7% |
| DVD player/ recorders and VCRs | 7% |
| CDs/ DVDs | 7% |
| Laptops/ desktops | 6% |
The table below shows the most common entry points:
| Entry point | % of claims |
| Window | 39% |
| Glass sliding door | 25% |
| While at home | 12% |
| Other doors | 9% |
| Garage | 7% |
| Open air / garden shed | 7% |
- END -
3 April 2007
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For more information contact Amanda Gray, Suncorp Public Affairs, on (07) 3836 1245.
