Protecting Your Home From Burglary: What Thieves Are Really After—and How to Secure It
One of the best ways to protect your home from burglaries is to understand how, when, and why they happen. Previously, we talked about viewing your home "through the eyes of a thief" to identify weak spots. This time, we're diving deeper into the most commonly stolen items—and what burglary trends reveal about your home's security.
Knowing what burglars target can help you strengthen your defenses, minimize financial loss, and stay one step ahead of potential intruders.
The Most Commonly Stolen Items in Home Burglaries
According to the FBI's most recent Crime in the United States report, over 60% of burglary losses involve easily portable, high-value items that thieves can grab in minutes.
The items most frequently stolen during residential break-ins include:
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Cash
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Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, speakers)
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Jewelry & watches
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Designer clothing & accessories
Additional items frequently targeted, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), include:
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Power tools (drills, saws, nail guns)
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Guns and firearms
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Prescription medications
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Small high-end appliances
The average burglary results in $2,600 in property loss, according to the FBI.
Most burglars are inside a home for 10 minutes or less, meaning they grab only the easiest items to access.
Sources:
Why These Items Get Stolen
Adding context to these patterns helps homeowners understand the risks:
1. They have fast cash value
Electronics, jewelry, and power tools are easy to resell through online marketplaces or pawn shops.
2. Thieves know exactly where to find them
Studies show that burglars head to the primary bedroom first because people often hide cash, jewelry, firearms, and personal documents there.
3. They are small and easy to carry
More than 70% of burglaries involve "smash-and-grab" behavior, according to a UNC Charlotte study on criminal decision-making.
4. Hiding places are predictable
Research from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) shows that thieves routinely check common hiding spots like:
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Under the mattress
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Inside freezers
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Toilet tanks
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Closets
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Nightstands
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Shoe boxes
If it's a hiding place you've seen in a movie, burglars already know it.
Tips for Securing Your Valuables
Now that you know what burglars target and why, you can take actionable steps to protect yourself and your belongings.
1. Don't store large amounts of cash at home
Movies have made "creative hiding spots" mainstream—so burglars look for them.
The safest place for cash: a bank or credit union, not a bedroom.
2. Use a safe deposit box or high-quality safe
For heirlooms, gold, high-value jewelry, or collectibles, consider off-site storage.
For valuables you keep at home:
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Use a UL-rated safe
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Bolt the safe to the floor
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Avoid lightweight fire safes (burglars often carry these out of the house)
Even a small safe can reduce loss, since burglars rarely stay longer than 5-10 minutes.
3. Document everything for insurance protection
Insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate recommend keeping a digital inventory.
Your inventory should include:
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Photos of each item
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Serial numbers
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Purchase receipts
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Estimated value
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Cloud backup (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that proper documentation can reduce claims processing time by 50% or more.
Source: https://www.iii.org/article/how-create-home-inventory
4. Always store firearms in a gun safe
Proper storage prevents:
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Accidental discharge
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Child access
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Theft
Firearms are one of the top 5 most stolen home items, according to ATF data.
5. Reduce "visible temptation"
A UNC Charlotte burglary study found 47% of burglars are influenced by seeing valuables through windows.
Protect yourself by:
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Closing blinds when you're not home
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Keeping electronics away from street-facing windows
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Locking tool sheds and garages
Small changes make your home look like a far less attractive target.
When Do Burglaries Happen?
A few key stats that surprise most homeowners:
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65% of burglaries occur during the day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)—not at night
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Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized
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One burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the U.S. (FBI)
Source:
UNC Charlotte "Residential Burglars" Study
Knowledge Is Power—And Protection
Understanding how burglars think—and what they look for—gives you the knowledge to protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Most homes in the Atlanta area contain at least a few of the high-value items burglars target regularly. Taking proactive security steps now can help prevent a huge financial loss later.
Protect What Matters Most With Ackerman Security
Ackerman Security has helped homeowners and businesses in the Atlanta and D.C. areas protect their most valuable assets for decades. Our modern security systems, 24/7 monitoring, and smart-home integrations make it easier than ever to keep your home secure.
Contact us online today to find out how you can strengthen your home's security and keep your family safe.
