RACQ Insurance (RACQ) is advocating for heightened home security measures following a report that properties across Queensland suffered losses totalling $6.1 million due to theft in 2023.
Data from RACQ indicates that the areas most affected by home burglaries included Brisbane's southside, inner Brisbane, and Townsville in North Queensland.
In 2023, RACQ received 1,327 claims for home theft, with the period from January to March recording the highest number of claims. This trend underscores the importance of securing homes before leaving.
RACQ group executive insurance Trent Sayers expressed concern over the impact of home theft on Queensland residents, especially amidst rising living costs.
“RACQ Insurance has seen a 5% increase in the total volume of home theft claims over the past year with some regions, like the Wide Bay, seeing double the amount of claims compared to the previous year,” he said. “Brisbane's southside has experienced the highest number of home theft claims by volume with 208 claims, an 18% increase on the previous year.
“We also saw a 35% increase in the total cost of home theft claims in 2023 compared to the previous year, and this is a result of increased claims volumes, higher value property being stolen and inflation.”
The data revealed that home thefts were more frequent on weekdays, with Monday being the most common day for these incidents.
Sayers suggested simple preventive measures to deter theft, including locking doors and windows, avoiding obvious hiding places for spare keys, investing in security systems, and maintaining the appearance of occupancy.
“If you're heading away for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, mow your lawn, and take your bins in and out. A neglected property is a clear sign that no one is home,” he said. “While you're on holiday, consider posting your snaps on social media once you've already returned, so you aren't advertising that your home is unprotected.”
Highlighting the stress associated with home theft, Sayers mentioned that over half of Queenslanders (52%) worry about home or vehicle break-ins when they are not present.
“If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your home broken into, contact local police immediately to report the theft and then contact your insurer to check your cover and lodge the claim,” Sayers said. “Don't touch or move anything until the police have completed their inspection, but when it is safe to do so, you can take photos of any damage to assist in the insurance claim process.”
In other news, RACQ last month delved into troubling patterns in drug use among young drivers in Queensland.
