This post was originally published on November 29, 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

According to the FBI, in 2018, there were 7,196,045 property crimes in the United States, causing $16.4 billion in property losses.

When a robber enters a home, chances are they have specific items in mind they are looking to snatch. But, what items are the most appealing to majority of burglars?

Below, we overview some of the top-targeted items in burglaries and how you can improve home security measures.

Top-Targeted Items in Your Home

Although certain items may be valuable to you, there are some that are more enticing to burglars. During home break-ins, top-targeted items are:

With a better understanding of targeted items, you can provide extra protection where needed throughout your home.

Provide Extra Protection for Valuables

With the right home security equipment and measures in place, you can effectively protect your valuables from burglars. Some security tips to consider include:

  • Lock valuables in a safe with a hard-to-guess code when not using them. For even greater protection, install image sensors near the safe to detect tampering.
  • Place surveillance cameras in rooms (e.g. the bedroom) where high-valued items, such as cash, jewelry or electronics, are stored.
  • Install an alarm system that connects directly to a monitored alarm center, which will trigger if someone enters your home.
  • Hide or bring valuable items with you when you are out of town for long periods.
  • Turn on tracking capabilities on electronic devices (tablets, laptops, smartphones) to locate them if stolen.
  • Shred receipts and hide packaging (e.g. TV boxes, jewelry store bags, etc.) before throwing away. Don’t advertise how much value is in your home.
  • Before going to bed or leaving your home, ensure all doors and windows are shut, secured and locked.
  • Utilize smart locks for increased control over who is entering your home. For example, receive notifications if a door is unlocked.

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