The Items Most Likely to Be Stolen in a Break-In — and How to Protect Them

Most burglars enter a home with specific targets in mind rather than searching every room. Most burglaries are short-lived, opportunistic, and target goods that can be quickly taken away and easily sold. This is why knowing what burglars steal most can assist homeowners in prioritizing protection better.

Research from crime and insurance data consistently shows that some items are far more commonly targeted in residential burglaries than others. These patterns are useful for a home audit as well as for anyone preparing to be away from home.

Burglars usually go for small items of high value and quickly accessible (and easily sold). And, because the majority of burglaries occur in under 60 seconds, they often steer clear of anything bulky or heavy.

1. Jewelry:  Jewelry is a very common target for thieves because it is small, valuable, and so easily diverted almost unnoticed.
2. Electronics: Laptops, mobile phones, and gaming consoles have high resale values — which unfortunately also can mean that they are commonly stolen.
3. Cash: Cash remains a common target because it can be taken and spent immediately without leaving a trail.
4. Firearms: Firearms are another specific target — they should always be stored safely and securely.
5. Prescription medications: Some medications are small, easy to hide, and can be misused or sold.

When it comes to what burglars are most interested in stealing, the same categories pop up again and again: jewelry, electronics, cash (though less so these days), firearms, and medications. These are the things you see stolen most in break-ins, as they are pretty easy to find and transport.

In security research and expert recommendations, a handful of practical protections show up repeatedly:

• Home safes are effective in protecting jewelry, cash, and documents.
• The key to recovery after a theft is registering your electronics beforehand. Registering electronic devices can improve the chances of recovery after a theft.
• Gun safes should be put in place to follow safety and security guidelines.
• When you have photographed your valuables, it can be a good support for insurance claims later.

Before going on vacation, secure valuables in a safe or store them off-site whenever possible. Do not leave valuables on display in the house, and try to check that doors, windows, or delivery points are closed. Delivery locks and tracking systems can serve as risk reduction measures while you are out.

The risk of burglary is not just limited to the inside of the home. Opportunistic thieves will also target your doorstep and parked vehicles.

According to SafeWise research, Package theft, often referred to as porch piracy, remains a common threat due to regular deliveries in residential areas and the tendency for packages to be left unattended, even for brief periods. The bulk of stolen packages tends to be small electronics, clothing, or items that can be found around the house and left on porches.

• Choose delivery lockers or, where available, in-garage deliveries.
• Use a visible doorbell camera to keep an eye on deliveries.
• If your packages are picked up right away, turn on delivery alerts.

It is also common for thieves to smash car windows when they see desirable items inside. So, even a habit as simple as keeping a car empty and clean can greatly reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.

A limited list of predictable items contributes to most burglary losses. This implies you do not need to secure everything at the same level.

Focus on high-risk categories:

• Jewelry
• Electronics
• Cash
• Firearms
• Prescription medications

Add more layers of protection like safes, locks, and reduced visibility.

SafeWise's State of Safety research provides annual data and trends for a perspective on the frequency with which property crime impacts households. Knowing what burglars typically target helps in getting the right priorities for your home security.

Rather than attempting to secure everything in your home, prioritize protection for the items burglars are most likely to steal. It is sensible to prepare for key dangers, learn about the most commonly stolen items in break-ins, understand risks similar to those in your house, and prepare in advance by knowing what to secure before vacation.

Studies show that intruders gravitate toward small, high-value items that are easy to find and carry away. By securing these valuables, using appropriate storage solutions, and knowing what to secure before vacation, homeowners can reduce the risk of theft and make their property a less attractive target for burglars.