Daytime burglary the most common: insurance data

Data released by a major insurance company says the most common time for burglary is during the day.

AA Insurance says analysis of its claims from January 2011 to December 2011, show that 73.2 per cent of all burglary claims were recorded for incidents that occurred between 6am and 6pm.

It says the most common items stolen from homes were electrical goods (TVs, laptops, phones and MP3 players) followed by clothing and jewellery. Jewellery claims in 2011 were the highest value with the average claim being $2,483, followed by $1,524 for personal items, and $1,810 for electrical goods. 

"Securing your home both at night when you are asleep, and during the day when you are out, should be common sense for all New Zealanders. Our claims data clearly shows that having a house alarm installed and warning stickers on display deters thieves," said Martin Fox, Head of Operations.

But even having someone inside a property doesn't deter all burglars, as Edison Dumo and his family found.

Their son was inside when thieves cleaned them out.

Still, Mr Fox said people could take some simple measures to make sure their homes were secure when they are away.

"Simple things like leaving a recycling bin outside your home or letting your mail pile up while on holiday can be an advertisement that your property is unoccupied," said Mr Fox. "Asking a trusted neighbour to look after your mail and recycling can reduce signals that you're not at home."

As well as homes, the company says between 2009 and 2011 the company said it received the highest number of burglary and theft from vehicle claims from Auckland.

Electrical goods, eyewear, laptops, and tools are most commonly stolen from cars. One AA customer had parked her car to go a popular lookout spot, but when she returned a window had been smashed and all contents, including clothes, cameras, phones, and even a chilly bin containing food, had been stolen. Another claim example involved a customer who packed his fishing gear late at night to prepare for an early start. The next morning he awoke to find a car window smashed and all his expensive fishing equipment gone.

Mr Fox said it was important for people to photograph valuable contents in their locations and wrie down the make, model, and serial number in case they ever need to make a claim.

He also said people should lock all their AA electronic devices - computers, laptops and smartphones, with a password.

"That can help prevent further complications of identity theft if your devices are stolen following a break in."

HOME BURGLARIES

In Auckland City:

For the year ending June 30, 2011 6507

2010 6427

1996 5620

In Counties Manukau

Year ending June 30, 2011 5373

2010 5884

1996 6820

In Waitemata (North Shore and Waitakere)

Year ending June 30, 2011 4420

2010 4182

1996 5454