High tech devices are top picks for burglars

Media release 23 October 2015

High tech devices are top picks for burglars

High tech devices such as smart phones, cameras and tablets are top of thieves’ agenda when it comes to targeting your home or car.

Consumer and household electrical items like televisions and car stereos are among the most popular picks for burglars along with jewellery and watches.

AMI Insurance, in conjunction with IAG’s Research Centre, looked at the items most commonly replaced for customers who’ve made a claim following theft from their car or home between 2014 and 2015.

The insurer said the typical cost for replacing items stolen in home or car break-ins usually exceeds $1,500, which would certainly dent the pocket of someone without insurance.

“Small but valuable items are easy targets in a burglary,” said Ruth Colenso, General Manager for Customer Claims at AMI. “Having the right insurance is an important part of protecting your assets at home or in the car.

“That’s why we encourage our customers to specify valuable items in their insurance policy and keep their valuation updated.

“Making a list of all the items you’ve accumulated over the year may help you decide whether you should contact your insurer or broker to adjust your policy.”

Smart phones and wearable technology like Fitbits are other

Other easy to grab items like sunglasses and perfumes also ranked highly.

As wearable technology also becomes more mainstream, it can be easy to think of our tech devices as ‘everyday’ items, rather than high value accessories that should be protected.

Ruth says there are other measures you can take to protect yourself against loss.

“Taking a few simple precautions could prevent your ever having to make a claim, and could also save you money on your insurance premiums,” she said.

Here’s some top tips:

Protecting your home and contents

· Install a quality burglar alarm and make sure you have sufficient sensors throughout your house. Display alarm stickers on your doors and windows to discourage burglars. Ask your insurer whether you qualify for a discount on your contents premium with an alarm.

· Iinstall motion-sensor lighting outside in areas where an intruder could hide.

· Don't leave window keys in their locks.

· Install a small safe in your home to protect valuable items.

· Use AMI’s online “Home Contents Locker” to securely store information about valuable personal and home items via your Neighbourly account. That way, all the information you need will be in one place if you need to make a claim. The Locker is an online resource that provides a record of belongings that would need to be replaced in the event of fire, burglary or other unexpected event. You can access it anywhere, at any time. Not only is it useful for insurance claims but it can also assist Police in tracking down stolen property.

Protecting your car

· Keep your vehicle keys with you and spares at home or at work.

· Park in busy, open and well-lit areas.

· Keep valuables – such as money, mobile phone, cheques and credit cards – on you or at home, not in the glove box or under a seat.

· Consider installing a car alarm and electronic engine immobiliser that prevents the vehicle from being started. Check with your insurer if you qualify for a discount on your premium if you have an approved immobiliser installed.

· Leave your car windows closed if possible – of course considering pets and children first and foremost!

· Keep a record of your vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find this on the dashboard near the front windshield, or on the inside of the driver's door near the latching mechanism.

Top ten items replaced following claims for home or car theft (data gathered by IAG between 2014 and 2015).

1. Consumer and household electrical items

2. Jewellery and Watches

3. Personal items (e.g. sunglasses)

4. Bicycles

5. Garden tool

6. Clothes / Shoes

7. Computers

8. Luggage

9. Handbags

10. Collectables

ends

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