If you’ve ever been a target of theft, or are worried about the possibility of being burgled, then if can be very concerning leaving valuables in your home or workspace. As a homeowner, there are some possessions that are more high risk than others.
If you’re aware of which items are most likely to become targets of theft, then you can take extra measures to ensure that your home is protected, and you are able to better prepare. We’ll guide your through extra steps you can take to secure yourself by putting keys and precious items in secondary layers of security such as safes or cabinets. Here is our list of the most commonly stolen items, so that you know what valuables you need to be most careful about protecting. We want to provide you with the knowledge and the devices necessary to protect you as a homeowner.
1. Computers & Laptops
Computers and laptops are a prime target of theft, since they are worth a lot of money and may hold private information and data about your banking, security, medical information and email addresses. This data is all priceless and may put you in the position of a security breach. Burglars look for laptops as they are easy to take, even whilst you’re on the go, therefore we recommend keeping them in the safety of your own home as much as possible. Never leave your laptop visible in a window or car whilst you’re out and consider investing in a product such a laptop safe if you’re going to leave it unattended in a location for an extended period of time. This way only you will have access to it.
2. Money
Money is one of the widely sought out and stolen goods. It’s hard to trace and a thief may spend it or store it immediately. If you have cash in your home, you may worry about it being taken from you as it makes you a target for theft, but it doesn’t need to be this way. Be sure not to tell anyone where you keep your money. Keeping it out of sight is the most effective deterrent, as well as keeping it secure if it is found. Some safes are designed to look like books, or blend in with the rest of your room, therefore the home intruder won’t even know where to look for your money. Other safes provide the option of cash-trays and note-slots so that you can organize money inside the locked system.
3. Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are largely a target of theft for the same reason that laptops are, as they contain personal data and details, and can be sold on for a profit. Make sure you know where your phone is at all times, and if you are going to leave it somewhere, we recommend a few different options so that your personal device is safe. With any safe you may want to consider mounting it to the floor or to a wall so that the object itself cannot be taken away.
4. Cars & Car Keys
Cars are always at high risk from vandalism or theft, as they are worth a lot of money, and are not always secure when left on the street or the road. A lot of thieves see older cars as easy targets due to weak locking mechanisms, whilst others may target newer and more expensive luxury cars due to their value. Another risk is a thief seeing valuable items inside of your car and smashing a window in order to steal a handbag or laptop. Always be sure to keep valuables out of sight in these circumstances so that they have no reason to break in. Otherwise, locking your car or using a wheel or steering-wheel clamp can further secure the vehicle.
5. House Keys
House keys are a rather worrying item to lose, as it gives someone access into the entirely of your private property. Thieves are always on the lookout for keys of any kind, which is why key cabinets are an excellent idea for organising and protecting any you may want to keep extra copies in, in case you lose your keyring. You may have shed keys, front door keys, car keys and safe keys that all need to be kept in one place. Key cabinets are colour-coded and secure so that you have the ultimate peace of mind.
6. Jewellery
We all have treasured watches and necklaces that we fear getting stolen, in part for their monetary value, but equally due to sentimental attachment (See our guide on how to protect your watch collection from home intruders on our blog). If you’re looking to ensure that your jewellery doesn’t go missing, then securing your home with locking and alarm systems is a good place to start. Once alarm systems are fitted, use a safe to keep your valuable items in so that nobody can access your expensive pieces except you.
7. Briefcases & Handbags
Handbags often contain aforementioned items such as phones and jewellery, so it’s important to ensure they stay out of sight and locked away from thieves. We suggest that you take precautions regarding your home, such as fitting locks so that no one can get in to take these items from you. Thieves see bags and briefcases as perfect opportunities to take multiple items in one go, so using alarms is a good place to start. This way you’ll be able to tell if anyone breaks in or tries to touch your items. Leaving bags hidden from sight in your car or home means they are less of a target.
8. DIY Tools & Lawnmowers
Your tools and garden accessories are not always safe in a shed or outside. Many homeowners forget to think of their garden equipment or the security of their shed, but because they’re often further away from the main house where people may hear a burglary, they can be prime targets for theft. Tools and equipment have been known to be taken by thieves in many scenarios, so using padlocks and security on your sheds and toolboxes is an essential step to prevent you from becoming a target.
9. Private Information
Thieves often want private information and important documents so that they can sell them on or use it to their advantage. You don’t want to lose medical information or passports. Document safes are ideal for hiding and securing physical copies of your records and information. Digital safety is also important to consider as some thieves operate online. Always use secure passwords and change them if you’re alerted to a security breach. Use secure email addresses and don’t give information away to companies or people unless you are sure it’s the original website, not an imposter.
10. Clothes
Thieves often take valuable or designer clothes so that they can sell them on or use them themselves. These items can be upsetting and inconvenient to lose. Whilst it may seem unlikely, it is a common occurrence when leaving items in the garden, in your vehicle or in your home. Make sure to keep possessions on you at all times or hidden out of sight. Locked bags or private locations mean thieves cannot walk away with your valuables.
What to Do
If you are aware of the items that are most at risk in your home, then you are likely to be able to protect them using the necessary precautions. If you do get burgled, these are the steps you should take once your items have been noticed as stolen:
- Call 999, speak to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
- Complete your insurance forms.
- Collect evidence like receipts and photographs of the stolen goods.
- Go to your insurance provider to make a claim.
Bio: Experts in ERA Mortice locks and security solutions for the trade and public, Locks4.com is a leading online retailer supplying the world’s best ironmongery brands. Over 10,000 products are available for fast delivery ranging including mortice locks, multipoint locks, fireproof safes, and key cabinets. Visit our website for more details.
