Burglary and break-ins

Burglary & break-ins - Door with smashed window glass

Statistics show that in Australia someone is burgled just about every minute*. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics only 5 per cent of break and enter crimes are solved by the police, so the chance of recovering your stolen possessions is very low.

The best you can do is try to keep the burglars out. Here is some advice that may help.

Tips to secure your home

A combination of simple measures can help safeguard your home.

Install a burglar alarm. SGIC Home Security offers a range of affordable options
Lock up every time you leave - windows and doors
Lock your side gates, garden shed and garage. Always lock doors between your house and garage
Install movement-activated sensor lights and trim trees and shrubs, close to windows and doors that provide cover for intruders
List all your valuable items, photograph antiques and jewellery and keep receipts with your list to help with insurance claims
Make sure your home contents insurance policy is current. And that you're insured for the right amount to cover the replacement cost of your contents at today's prices
Don't leave spare keys outside. Burglars know all the hiding spots
Don't advertise that you're out or away. Whether you're away for a day or two or a few weeks, try and keep your home looking as lived-in as possible
Don't advertise your possessions. Don't leave the box of your new TV outside the house, cut it up and recycle

Did you know?

More than 35%* of Australians still leave doors and windows unlocked when they aren't home
One in four households has been burgled, that number increases to one in three in capital cities*
Thieves are more likely to return to the scene of the crime within three months of a break-in

* Research based on a survey of Australian households by Woolcott Research on behalf of SGIC, October 2007.