Being aware of what burglars tend to target can help you better secure your home and valuables. Let’s begin with:
Jewelry
This tops the list for any determined burglar. In nearly every home, the most valuable items are often rings or necklaces. If you’re particularly worried about losing these in a burglary, investing in a safe is a good idea.
Watches
Watches are more than just timekeepers; they signal your aspirations, such as planning to retire by 35. Many wristwatches are incredibly valuable, making them irresistible to any intruder prowling your house at night.
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Money
As we move towards cashless societies, burglars face increasing challenges. If they do manage to find cash in someone’s home, it’s often only enough for a Happy Meal from McDonald’s.
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TVs
Not everyone can afford a giant, luxury TV, so some burglars resort to stealing one. They’ll go to great lengths to enjoy Netflix and Paramount+ in stunning high definition.
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Game console
If you’re going to steal a TV, a game console like a PlayStation is a perfect companion. Given their high resale value, regardless of condition, burglars can make a significant profit from them.
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Laptop
Laptops are prized possessions, offering access to the world and often containing a wealth of private information. Burglars targeting your finances will eagerly steal them to exploit this valuable data.
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Cellphone
Burglars might steal a smartphone not just to access personal accounts but also because they simply want one. If they’ve seen ads highlighting the latest features, they might think, “I want that now!” Keep your phones safely stored away before you go to bed.
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Prescription drugs
Don’t be surprised if you find your medicine cabinet emptied after a robbery. Medications can quickly turn into cash when resold on the street, regardless of the type.
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Cars
Burglars might target your car if they can access it quietly and without making a mess. While it’s tempting to think they “deserve” it if they’re that skilled, it’s best to protect your vehicle. Make sure to set the alarm to deter potential thieves.
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Clothes
Many people overlook the value of clothes in modern burglaries. With everyone sporting designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, high-end fashion items are highly sought after. If you’re not flaunting the latest trends, it can still be worth protecting your wardrobe from potential thieves.
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Tables
Yes, tables. It might seem amusing to imagine burglars struggling to maneuver a table through a narrow doorway in the dark, but it does happen. Some people are willing to pay a premium for a high-quality table, making it a valuable target for thieves.
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Lamps
Lamps, too. It might sound funny, but we’re not talking about everyday or antique lamps. High-end lamps made from expensive and rare materials can be very valuable. If a burglar knows their stuff, they’ll definitely target these premium pieces.
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Rugs
Rugs can be surprisingly expensive, and burglars only need to spend a little time researching which ones are valuable. Don’t be surprised if you wake up to find that your coffee table is missing its rug after a robbery.
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Bicycles
Stealing a bicycle is a smart move for two reasons: first, it offers a practical and quick getaway, and second, it can be cleaned up and resold for a good price, especially if it’s a high-end model that wealthy buyers might desire.
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Social Security card
This is one item you definitely don’t want stolen in a burglary. If your Social Security card or number is taken, contact your local police department and the Social Security Administration immediately to report it.
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Passport
Passports contain personal information like names, addresses, and photos that scammers can use for impersonation and identity theft. This makes them a prime target for burglars during a home invasion.
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Firearms
Burglars may target firearms for several reasons: they might resell them to petty criminals or gangsters, use them as a safeguard in case you wake up during the theft, or use them to inflict harm.
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Sunglasses
Sunglasses might not be the first thing a burglar searches for, but they’re definitely worth considering. Many fashion houses now offer designer sunglasses with a hefty price tag, making them an attractive target.
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Alcohol
We’re not just talking about a case of beer—though a thirsty burglar might take that, too. The real targets are bottles with high resale value, like certain whiskies or wines.
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Cigarettes
While a burglar might not resell a pack of cigarettes, they might still grab one for a quick fix or to enjoy after their successful break-in. Even if they don’t take the whole pack, expect them to snatch a few.
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CDs
While CDs are largely outdated, some rare or special editions can still fetch a good price on second-hand sites like eBay. So, don’t assume a full CD rack is safe from being targeted.
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DVDs
The same applies to DVDs, and even more so. Many individual films, box sets, and limited editions can fetch high prices on second-hand sites. Your Blu-ray collection is likely to be a target in a burglary.
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Fuel
Some people store tanks of gas in their garages, and burglars often target these for a couple of reasons. Fuel is valuable and can be sold at a significant markup if the thief knows how to handle it.
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Camera
High-quality cameras now cost upwards of $400, so if you live in a sketchy neighborhood, don’t get too attached to your Canon. It’s likely that a burglar will target and take it at some point.
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Keys
While a burglar might not take your only set of keys, they’ll definitely steal a spare. They hope you won’t notice, allowing them to return later without having to break a window.
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Books
If burglary is your profession, you’re probably not the type to get lost in a good book. However, savvy criminals will still search bookshelves for valuable first editions.
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Batteries
Every house has a collection of batteries, big and small. If a burglar steals something that needs batteries, they’ll likely search the place thoroughly to make sure they get them.
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Clocks
Most household clocks, like those you find in the kitchen, are usually faux-rustic and nearly worthless on the resale market. However, some homes might have valuable antique clocks from 100 years ago. These are also among the easiest items for a burglar to grab quickly.
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Duct tape
Duct tape is a useful item, and even if a burglar has some with them, they might grab another roll. If you wake up during the break-in, they could use it to silence you, which is why it’s important to secure such items.
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Plates
Of all the major vintage porcelain from the 18th century, the Flora Danica service by Royal Copenhagen is unique for still being in production. Created during the Golden Age of porcelain, it’s a valuable find that any savvy burglar would be on the lookout for.
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Glasses
Homeowners are increasingly choosing high-end glasses that are more about style and impressing guests than just holding liquid. These luxury glasses can be quite valuable, making them an obvious target for any burglar.
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Baseball cards
Baseball cards are a significant part of many American childhoods, and collectors often cherish their rare finds for life. While burglars might not specifically search for baseball cards, if they come across them, they’ll likely take them.
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Stamps
Stamps, especially rare ones, are even more valuable than baseball cards. If a burglar spots them while searching your house, they’ll definitely grab them, knowing they can be quite lucrative.
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Coffee pot
As a nation of coffee lovers, many people are moving beyond chain-café machines to invest in vintage coffee pots to showcase in their kitchens. Burglars may steal these prized items, potentially brewing the best cup of coffee they’ve ever had.
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Mirrors
When a burglar finds a mirror, two things might happen: they could remove their balaclava, take a long look at themselves, and ponder their choices, or they might simply think, “Ooh, expensive mirror—mine!” It’s hard to predict which they’ll choose.
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Garden tools
To properly maintain your garden, you’ll need to invest in quality tools and hardware, not just cheap materials. Don’t be surprised if a burglar makes a quick stop at your shed and steals an expensive piece of equipment.
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Guitars
If you have a guitar hanging on your wall, a burglar might assume it’s a valuable piece, possibly even once owned by a famous musician like Jimi Hendrix. They might steal it, or if they’re in the mood, play “Smoke On the Water” before making their exit.
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Gadgets
Gadgets cover a wide range of items, especially those that are plastic, have pointed edges, and make beeping sounds. If it lights up green, a burglar might take it, even if they don’t know what it does.
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Vacuum
When was the last time you bought a vacuum? Chances are, it was years ago because they’re so expensive. While it might seem amusing to imagine a burglar rolling away with your vacuum, they might do just that if it promises a good resale value.
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Solar panels
As homeowners turn to solar panels to help combat environmental issues, burglars might target them despite the difficulty of dismantling them. If they succeed, the reward can be substantial, given the high value of these panels.
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