Postcodes with the highest home theft claims revealed

The postcodes that have the highest home theft claims across Queensland have been revealed, with more than 100 lodged every month. USE THE INTERACTIVE MAP

More than 100 home theft insurance claims are being made a month, as it is revealed Brisbane’s southside, inner Brisbane and Townsville are among the areas with highest frequency of home invasions.

New claims data from RACQ showed $6.1 million worth of property was stolen from homes across Queensland in 2023 with a total of 1327 claims received for the year, an increase of 35 per cent from the year before.

The data also revealed the most claims were made between January and March with 413 in total.

Julie Andrews, has been broken into three times and had an attempted break-in in the past two years.

Ms Andrews said it was after this experience that she and her husband had security installed all throughout their house.

“We had the security system reignited so if something goes off when we’re not there it sounds alarms off big time.”

Ms Andrews said they also installed Crimsafe door screens and had to get their locks changed.

“As we go out one door, we lock one, it’s a terrible way to live.”

“If I’m outside I’m always looking to see if there’s anyone in the street or any cars around.”

RACQ group executive (insurance) Trent Sayers said according to data more thefts occurred on weekdays than any other day of the week, with Monday the most popular day.

“RACQ Insurance has seen a 5 per cent increase in the total volume of home theft claims over the past year, with some regions, like the Wide Bay, seeing double the amount of claims compared to the previous year,” Mr Sayers said.

“Brisbane’s southside has experienced the highest number of home theft claims by volume, with 208 claims, an 18 per cent increase on the previous year.

Julie Andrews has been the victim of multiple burglaries at her home in Brisbane’s north. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We also saw a 35 per cent increase in the total cost of home theft claims in 2023 compared to the previous year, and this is a result of increased claims volumes, higher value property being stolen and inflation.

Mr Sayers said home theft could be extremely stressful for residents.

“Our research revealed that most Queenslanders are worried about home theft, with more than

half (52 per cent) stating they were concerned about home or vehicle break-ins while not at home,” he said.

“If you can, invest in a security system, a timer for your lights or even technology that allows you to control features in your home via your phone.”

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said insurers considered a variety of factors for determining the premium.

“If you don’t have an alarm system in place, it’s probably a good time to start looking at installing one,” Mr Ford said.

“With youth crime on the rise, it’s more important now than ever to protect your home from would-be thieves.

“There are a variety of things people can do to deter thieves, even something as simple as getting an outdoor light with a sensor that comes on when someone’s around.”

Originally published as Postcodes with the highest home theft claims revealed