AA Insurance survey shows burglars busy around the clock

Burglars are nearly four times more likely to break in to Kiwi homes when people are at work or home than while they are away on holiday, according to AA Insurance.

A recent AA Insurance Home Security Survey found that 71% of all break-ins occurred when Kiwis were away for less than a day, such as when they are at work or out shopping. The survey, which interviewed 1,000 Kiwis online, found only 17% had a break-in while they were away on holiday or a long weekend. Frighteningly, 12% were still in the house when their home was broken into.

"Our survey found that one quarter of all Kiwis had experienced a burglary," says Amelia Macandrew, Customer Relations Manager, AA Insurance. "While the percentage of Kiwis whove had a break-in is similar to last years findings, the timing has changed: were now seeing 15% more burglaries happen when people are away for a day."

"Burglary is a 24/7 business," says Amelia. "Conventional wisdom would suggest youre most exposed when you leave your home to go on holiday. We all know to be careful: lock everything, cancel the newspaper, have the neighbours collect the mail and so on. But when were just going to work or to the shops, we are much more complacent - and burglars know to take advantage of any opportunity."

In one example, a customer had left her home for only 2.5 hours one afternoon, giving burglars enough time to jimmy open a bedroom window and steal over $800 worth of jewellery and items, after initially trying to open the living room ranch slider and another window. Another customer was vacuuming downstairs when burglars climbed through an open upstairs bedroom window and stole her jewellery box containing a number of expensive items.

Despite burglaries remaining a concern, New Zealand Police crime statistics show a 7,200 decrease in unlawful entries, burglaries and break-ins over the past few years, with 52,247 in 2013, 52,937 in 2012, and 59,518 in 2011.

"Burglars are highly opportunistic, and will go for the easiest target, so it pays to be prepared and make sure your home isnt easy to access. And remember, you may have dead locks and an alarm, but they will only work if you use them," continued Amelia.

One family always kept the front door unlocked when they were home. Unfortunately this meant easy access for burglars who stole almost $7,000 worth of property including laptops and other electronic gear, tools and clothing, while their adult daughter was at home.

Thieves thrive in Central Auckland

If you live in Central Auckland, you are more than twice as likely to be burgled as anywhere else in New Zealand. AA Insurance claims data for the past 12 months to the end of July shows the national average is 51 burglary claims, but in Central Auckland suburbs the number of home break-ins rises to over 170.

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AA Insurance survey shows burglars busy around the clock