Insurer warns of spikes in summer theft during the holiday season

A Toowoomba woman’s ransacked home is part of a larger trend of summer theft, according to new data.

Patricia Onus and her family had gone away for the weekend to celebrate their daughter’s wedding. Before leaving they had ensured the house was secured, having installed security screens on all but one window.

But that one window was enough for thieves to break in and ransack the home before stealing the family’s ute.

“You get a bit sick in your stomach,” Ms Onus told news.com.au, describing the moments driving back to their Toowoomba home in September this year.

“You start to get closer and closer, and you start going, ‘Oh my God, what are we going to find?’.”

It was neighbours who initially woke to find the family’s front door wide open and the home a mess.

Ms Onus is currently in the process of installing CCTV cameras to better protect her home in the future. Picture: Supplied

Ms Onus is currently in the process of installing CCTV cameras to better protect her home in the future. Picture: Supplied

Before leaving, the couple had taken most of the necessary precautions, including installing security screens on most of their windows, except one near the kitchen.

“The crime police said we had done mostly everything. It was quite a secure house,” Ms Onus said.

Besides the ute, house keys, 14 battery tools, bolt cutters, and various pieces of jewellery were taken.

More than 185,000 households were victims of a break-in in 2022-23, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with data released by insurance giant NRMA today revealing a 40 per cent spike in theft claims received in summer compared to the rest of the year.

Western Australia had the biggest spike with 69 per cent, followed by Queensland (42 per cent), New South Wales and the ACT (24 per cent), and South Australia (16 per cent).

NRMA executive Luke Gallagher said that homes will be left "vulnerable" in summer months once residents go on holidays. Picture: Supplied

There were more than 2500 theft claims made through the NRMA in the past 12 months, with the most common stolen items including bicycles, power tools, and small tech devices. Thieves looking to make a quick buck are also increasingly stealing hot water systems and copper pipping, with copper fetching more than $14 a kilogram.

The NRMA data found January is the worst month for break-ins, accounting for 10 per cent of theft claims.

“People are going away for the holidays, Christmas and New Years, leaving their houses unattended. Thieves know this,” NRMA insurance executive general manager for retail claims Luke Gallagher said.

Research conducted by the insurance provider shows 46 per cent of people are planning to travel for four or more consecutive days, with less than half asking someone to keep an eye on their property, and just 13 per cent pausing mail deliveries.

“Homes with mail overflowing from the letterbox or parcels piled up on the doorstep are a clear indicator for thieves that people aren’t home,” Mr Gallagher said.

In addition to managing your mail and alerting your neighbours, or family and friends, Mr Gallagher suggested installing security cameras and motion sensor lights to deter potential intruders. If thieves know they’re being watched, these can be a “good deterrent,” he said.

Another tip is to secure your garage.

“Our research shows that 18 per cent of break-ins occur through the garage. Usually, low windows and a door to the main residence, making them prime targets for burglars.

In addition to adding cameras and lights to your garage, Mr Gallagher said that if your garage’s remote is hidden in your car, “make sure the vehicle is locked to ensure that your house remains secure.”