‘Sneak
raids’ on the increase as householders burgled while at home
ALARMING new research reveals a record number of Queensland properties
are being targeted by thieves while people are at home.
RACQ’s Insurance Home Security Index, based on claims lodged with the
company, shows a 30 per cent increase in so-called “sneak raids” in just three
years.
“While property crime has fallen since last year, the alarming part of
our research is the concerning rise in home intrusions or sneak raids across
the state,” RACQ executive manager of insurance communications Mike Sopinski
said.
“In the past, thieves would generally bypass occupied homes and move on
to residences where no one was at home. However, the trend is now seeing
thieves deliberately targeting properties where people are at home.”
RACQ figures reveal that 39.8 per cent of all homes broken into last
year were occupied, compared with 26 per cent in 2011.
“There are a number of reasons why this is happening,” Mr Sopinski said.
“First and foremost is the fact that most homes are left unlocked
when people are at home and the criminals know it. Secondly, there are richer
pickings in occupied rather than unoccupied homes, with cash, wallets, handbags
and most importantly car keys being among the main theft targets.
“These items are generally to be found in the home when people are at
home, and again the criminals know it.”
Mr Sopinski said the theft of cash from homes had spiralled from 9.2 per
cent in 2013 to 21.1 per cent in 2014; jewellery 7.7 per cent to 14.7 per cent;
handbags and wallets 2.6 per cent to 9.9 per cent; car keys 1.9 per cent to 5
per cent, and iPhones 1.4 per cent to 4.5 per cent.
“Clearly these items are being purposely targeted in home intrusions,
which is driving the sharp rise in this criminal action,” he said.
Source: The Courier-Mail 22/5/15
