Why do burglars steal? It’s an awful thing to do! The first thought would be that they are in dire need of whatever it is they’re taking, the second thought is that they like the adrenaline of it, and the third is that they can make a whole lot of money off of what they take. Businesses and homes need to be protected with security systems to ensure that burglars don’t get away with their schemes. Here are the top 14 things that most burglars like to steal so that people are aware of how important it is to have a security system.
- Cash
It can’t be traced, it can’t be closed like a credit card, and it’s easy to carry. Make sure to keep large amounts of money in a safe place, like the bank. If you like having cash on hand, think of getting a small vault that isn’t easy to lift, or put cash in an uncommon area like under the kitchen sink.
- Jewelry
Precious metals and stones used for jewelry can be sold for a high price, most times for more than what they were originally purchased for. Jewelry boxes are pretty but these are also good items to keep in a vaulted safe. Especially items that are rarely worn but cost a fortune.
- Prescription drugs
These can be taken for self-use and also sold or made into other types of illegal drugs. Most people don’t think of needing to hide their prescription drugs, but medication is one of the first things a burglar would steal during an intrusion, so think twice.
- Electronics
Hand held devices are the easiest to take, and most often can be sold for more than larger electronics. Example: Smartphones are usually more expensive than televisions. They most often also hold personal information on them, so it’s wise to put passcodes on smartphones.
- Identity
Like smartphones, mail, credit cards, birth certificates and anything with names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, or any other kind of personal information can be used to take a person’s identity.
- Clothing
Mostly pertaining to designer or name brand clothing and/or shoes. These pieces are easy to carry and can sell for a high price.
- Liquor
Though alcohol is usually stolen for self-indulgence, more expensive wines and hard liquor is taken to be sold.
- Keys
If someone steals keys, they then have access to whatever those keys are meant for. If they can match keys to what the correct openings, burglars can then they can steal cars, mail, let themselves in and out of homes, businesses, offices, storage units and so on.
- Art or Other Collectable Items
These pieces are usually easy to carry, or can be sold for a lot. Expensive art pieces on display in or outdoors should always have cameras on them.
- Groceries/Non-Perishable Food Items
Food items are most often stolen by those who can’t afford to buy their own food, and sometimes by those who are frightened of going to stores because they are a runaway or a fugitive who doesn’t want to be spotted buying food. Let me take this time to say, those who are in need of food are plenty. Not just in third world countries but also in our own community. If there’s food sitting on shelves needing to be used, please consider donating it to a homeless shelter or food drive before letting it meet the garbage or the hands of a thief.
- Guns
Firearms are easily sold for a high price. These items are valuable to many and when stolen, they can be sold quickly because people who buy them aren’t required to have a carrying license or permit. Owning guns calls for a means of safe keeping. Security alarms, motion sensors, and cameras would be good to have in an area where guns are kept, even for the safety of children in the home.
- Tools
Good tools are expensive, easy to carry, and hard to find once they’ve been taken. Larger equipment is harder to take, but if no one is home, burglars will find a way to steal whatever it is. Outdoor security is just as important as indoor security and will keep all tools, big and small, safe.
- Lawn Furniture
Nothing like having a beautiful porch swing taken in the middle of the night. Right? Wrong. Don’t worry, outdoor surveillance systems won’t let that happen.
- Bikes
BMX bikes, cruising bikes, mountain bikes, or kids bikes often end up on the “most stolen” lists. They can sell for a good amount of money and also be useful to those who need transportation.
Now that you know what’s most wanted on a thief’s mind, here are some things that should be most wanted on yours; security cameras, motion detectors, sensors, smart locks, security lighting, security control, alarm systems, and/or solar powered security appliances. If you have any questions or concerns, call On Guard Hawaii today for a free quote and consultation on security products that would best fit your desired properties and efficiently protect what’s important.
