1) Prescription Medications
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Home intruders frequently seek out prescription medications, especially potent painkillers, due to their high street value and ease of sale. Thieves often inspect medicine cabinets, searching for opioids, anti-anxiety drugs, and stimulants, which are among the most demanded items in illicit markets.
To safeguard these medications, store them in locked drawers, secure safes, or hidden compartments. Proper disposal of unused or expired pills is also crucial to prevent accidental theft or misuse.
2) Small Electronics
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Devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and portable gaming systems are prime targets for burglars because of their portability and high resale value. These gadgets are easy to conceal and quickly transport, making them convenient loot for thieves.
Prevent theft by keeping electronic devices out of sight when not in use and storing them in secure locations. Consider using lockable cabinets or safes for added protection.
3) Jewelry
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Jewelry pieces such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and watches are often high-value items that burglars aim to steal. Their small size makes them quick to grab and conceal, which facilitates rapid escape.
Avoid storing jewelry in obvious places like jewelry boxes on dressers. Instead, consider using specialized safes, hidden compartments, or decoy safes to deter theft.
4) Cash and Coins
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Cash remains a common target for burglars, especially when hidden in easy-to-access spots like sock drawers, under mattresses, or inside piggy banks. Thieves often check these typical hiding spots during a break-in.
To reduce risk, use secure safes or banks to store large sums of money, and avoid keeping substantial cash reserves in visible or predictable locations inside the home.
5) Personal Identity Documents
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Important documents such as passports, social security cards, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses are highly valuable for identity theft. Criminals can use these papers to commit fraud, open fake accounts, or sell them on the black market.
Store these sensitive papers in a secure, locked safe or safety deposit box, and avoid placing them in obvious areas like desk drawers or accessible filing cabinets.
6) Keys
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House keys, car keys, and safe keys are frequently sought after by burglars because possession of these keys provides easy access to your property and valuables.
Always keep keys in concealed, secure locations, and refrain from leaving spare keys in common hiding spots like under doormats or flower pots. A small lockbox can be an effective way to keep keys safe.
7) Credit Cards
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Credit cards are a prime target due to their small size and the potential for quick financial loss. Thieves can use stolen cards immediately or sell the card details online.
Keep credit cards in a secure, concealed place such as a safe or lockable drawer. Regularly monitor your statements for unauthorized transactions and report lost cards promptly.
8) Important Personal Documents
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Aside from ID papers, other vital personal documents like tax returns, bank statements, and utility bills can be exploited for identity theft. Thieves may also target sensitive papers such as divorce papers or legal documents.
Secure these documents in a locked safe or deposit box, and avoid displaying them openly around the home.
9) High-end Clothing and Accessories
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Designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories often carry high resale value and are attractive to burglars. Their small size and conspicuous display can make homes more tempting targets.
Store luxury items in safes or locked closets when not in use, and avoid leaving expensive items on display where they can be easily seen from outside.
10) Collectibles
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Rare coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, and vintage collectibles are often targeted for their high value and portability. Their small size allows thieves to quickly pocket multiple items during a break-in.
Homeowners should consider storing collectibles in secure safes or off-site storage facilities to prevent theft and loss.
11) Power Tools
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Power tools such as drills, saws, and lawn equipment are valuable and easy to sell at pawn shops or online marketplaces. Thieves often target garages or sheds to steal these items.
Protect your tools by locking them inside secure cabinets or bringing them into the house when not in use. Marking tools with identification can assist in recovery if stolen.
12) Hidden Safes
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While hidden safes are common, burglars are often aware of typical hiding spots like behind wall art or inside closet shelves. They tend to search these areas methodically.
To better protect valuables, consider discreet placement and camouflage of safes, but recognize that no hiding spot is entirely foolproof against a determined intruder.
13) Gaming Consoles
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Gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are highly desirable due to their high resale value and popularity. Their small size makes them easy to steal quickly.
Store gaming equipment out of sight when not in use, and consider marking or engraving consoles to help recover stolen items.
14) Home Electronics
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Large electronics like TVs, laptops, tablets, and smart home devices are common burglar targets. They are valuable, portable, and often left in accessible locations.
Keep electronics secured, out of view from windows, and consider using safes for particularly expensive items. Regularly inventory your electronics and document serial numbers for recovery purposes.
15) Outdoor Equipment
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Outdoor items such as bicycles, lawnmowers, power tools, and grills are vulnerable when stored outside or in unsecured sheds. These items are easy for thieves to carry away and sell.
Secure outdoor equipment with sturdy locks, store items inside locked garages or sheds, and consider immobilizing bicycles with heavy chains and locks.
16) Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses
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Designer eyewear, including sunglasses and prescription glasses, can be valuable on the black market. These small, high-value items are often kept in accessible places like nightstands or handbags, making them easy prey for burglars.
Store expensive glasses in concealed safes or hidden compartments to minimize theft risk.
17) Pet Supplies
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High-end pet foods, medications, and accessories are sometimes targeted for resale. Certain pet medicines, such as prescription drugs, can be lucrative and are often stored out of sight.
Protect pet supplies by storing them securely, and consider microchipping pets for added security against theft.
18) Sports Memorabilia
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Sports collectibles, including signed jerseys, balls, and limited edition items, are highly valuable and sought after on resale markets. Their small size and high worth make them attractive for quick theft.
Display these items thoughtfully and store them securely when not on display to reduce their attractiveness to burglars.
19) Food and Alcohol
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Premium wines, rare spirits, and gourmet foods are tempting targets for burglars due to their high resale value. Bottles kept in wine cellars or liquor cabinets are often stolen during break-ins.
Store valuable consumables in concealed, secure areas and consider installing security measures around storage spaces to prevent theft.