Most homeowners focus on protecting obvious valuables like jewelry and electronics, but modern burglars have expanded their targets far beyond these traditional items. Recent studies reveal that criminals now search for surprising everyday objects that many people leave completely unprotected. Understanding what burglars truly want helps you better secure your home against their evolving tactics.
Prescription medications are a prime target
While many homeowners carefully lock away jewelry and cash, they often leave prescription medications easily accessible in bathroom cabinets and nightstands. This oversight creates a perfect opportunity for burglars who specifically target homes looking for prescription drugs. These medications can have significant street value and are easy to transport quickly during a break-in.
Recent security studies indicate that medicine cabinets are one of the first places burglars check when entering a home. The most commonly targeted medications include pain relievers, anxiety medications, and sleep aids. These drugs can be quickly resold on the black market, making them highly attractive to thieves who want to maximize their profit from each break-in.
The bathroom’s location typically near bedrooms makes it a convenient stop as burglars search the most valuable areas of the home. Many people store multiple prescriptions in easily identifiable orange bottles, allowing thieves to quickly identify valuable medications. Additionally, bathrooms often have small windows that can serve as entry points while providing privacy from neighbors.
To protect prescription medications, experts recommend storing them in a small safe or locked cabinet rather than the bathroom. Consider keeping only currently used prescriptions in the bathroom and storing extras in a more secure location. If possible, maintain a list of all medications and their quantities to quickly identify if any go missing.
Designer clothing and accessories attract quick grabs
High-end clothing, shoes, and accessories have become increasingly attractive targets for burglars. These items are often left in plain sight in closets and dressing areas, making them easy to spot and grab. Designer handbags, watches, and shoes can be quickly resold through various channels, providing thieves with substantial profits.
Security experts warn that visible designer items signal to burglars that a home likely contains other valuable possessions. Criminals often target walk-in closets specifically, knowing they frequently contain multiple high-value items concentrated in one area. Many homeowners don’t consider their clothing collections as requiring the same level of security as jewelry or electronics.
The problem extends beyond just designer labels. Burglars also target high-quality winter coats, leather goods, and athletic wear from premium brands. These items are particularly vulnerable when stored near entry points or in easily accessible closets. The rising resale market for authentic designer goods has made these items increasingly attractive to thieves.
To protect valuable clothing and accessories, consider installing closet locks or storing especially valuable items in a secure room. Avoid displaying designer items in windows or areas visible from outside. Document serial numbers and distinctive features of high-end accessories, and keep original receipts and authentication cards in a separate secure location.
Personal documents enable identity theft schemes
Modern burglars increasingly target personal documents that can be used for identity theft and fraud. Tax returns, bank statements, passports, and birth certificates have become valuable commodities in the criminal world. These documents often contain detailed personal information that can be used to open fraudulent accounts or obtain false identification.
According to security research, burglars frequently search home offices and filing cabinets for these documents. Many homeowners store important papers in obvious locations like desk drawers or filing cabinets, making them easy targets. The combination of financial documents and personal identification can give criminals everything they need to steal someone’s identity.
Thieves often target mail and packages as well, knowing they may contain new credit cards, bank statements, or other financial documents. Home offices located near ground-floor windows or entrance points are particularly vulnerable. Many people don’t realize their documents have been stolen until they become victims of identity theft months later.
Consider investing in a fireproof safe for important documents and regularly shred unnecessary paperwork containing personal information. Keep digital copies of important documents in a secure cloud storage service. Monitor credit reports regularly and consider setting up fraud alerts with credit bureaus to catch potential identity theft early.
Spare keys create future break-in opportunities
Many homeowners hide spare keys around their property or keep extra sets in obvious locations inside their homes. Burglars specifically search for these keys during break-ins, knowing they can provide easy access for future robberies. This includes not just house keys, but also vehicle keys, safe keys, and keys to other properties.
Research from security professionals indicates that burglars often check common hiding spots like entryway drawers, key hooks near doors, and kitchen drawers for spare keys. Finding these keys allows criminals to return later without forcing entry, making the break-in appear less suspicious and potentially invalidating insurance claims.
Car keys are particularly valuable targets, as they can provide thieves with additional opportunities for theft. Modern vehicle keys often include electronic components that make them expensive to replace, increasing their black market value. Burglars may also use stolen car keys to access garages or other secured areas of the property.
Store spare keys in a small safe or lockbox rather than obvious locations. Avoid keeping keys on hooks near doors or windows where they’re visible from outside. Consider using a digital lock system that eliminates the need for spare keys entirely. If keys are stolen, change the corresponding locks immediately.
Copper materials have unexpected resale value
The rising value of copper has made it an attractive target for thieves, who now search homes for exposed copper pipes, wiring, and fixtures. While this might seem like an unlikely target, copper’s high scrap value makes it worth the effort for burglars. They often focus on basements, attics, and garages where copper materials are more likely to be exposed.
Industry reports show that copper theft has increased significantly in recent years. Burglars target not just pipes and wiring, but also copper gutters, flashing, and decorative elements. Even small amounts of copper can be valuable when sold to scrap dealers, making it worth the effort for thieves to remove these materials during a break-in.
Homes under renovation or with visible construction materials are particularly vulnerable to copper theft. Thieves may also target outdoor air conditioning units for their copper components. The damage caused by removing copper materials often exceeds the value of the metal itself, creating significant repair costs for homeowners.
To protect copper materials, ensure proper lighting around exterior units and consider installing security cameras in areas with exposed copper. Keep construction materials secured and out of sight. Document the location and quantity of copper materials in your home, and regularly inspect these areas for signs of tampering.
Smart home devices provide valuable data
Modern burglars increasingly target smart home devices not just for their resale value, but for the sensitive information they contain. Smart speakers, security cameras, and home automation hubs often store passwords, schedules, and other personal data that can be exploited. These devices may also provide access to home networks and connected accounts.
Security research indicates that sophisticated thieves can hack stolen smart devices to gain access to home networks and personal information. They may use this data to plan future break-ins or commit identity theft. Even basic smart home devices can provide valuable insights into household routines and security measures.
Tablets and smartphones connected to home automation systems are particularly valuable targets. These devices often contain apps with stored passwords and access to security systems. Burglars may also target smart doorbells and security cameras to disable them or access their recorded footage.
Protect smart devices by regularly changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Keep devices updated with the latest security patches. Consider using a separate network for smart home devices. Document serial numbers and immediately deactivate stolen devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Mail and packages reveal financial information
Accumulated mail and packages have become attractive targets for burglars seeking financial information and valuable deliveries. Thieves know that mail often contains credit card statements, bank documents, and personal information that can be used for identity theft. Packages may contain valuable items that are easy to resell.
According to home security experts, visible piles of mail and packages also signal to burglars that a house might be unoccupied. Criminals often target homes where deliveries have accumulated, knowing they’re likely to find not just the packages themselves but also an empty house to rob.
Tax documents and financial statements arriving by mail are particularly valuable to identity thieves. Credit card offers and insurance documents can also provide criminals with useful personal information. Even junk mail may contain enough personal data to assist in identity theft schemes.
Install a secure mailbox or consider a post office box for sensitive mail. Never leave packages unattended for long periods. Use delivery tracking and require signatures for valuable items. Consider installing doorbell cameras or security cameras near mail delivery areas.
Children’s rooms contain unexpected treasures
While most homeowners focus on securing master bedrooms and home offices, children’s rooms often contain valuable items that attract burglars. Gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and other electronics are commonly kept in these rooms. Parents may also hide valuables in children’s rooms, thinking burglars won’t look there.
Security analysts report that experienced burglars know to check children’s rooms for hidden valuables. Many parents store jewelry, cash, or important documents in their children’s rooms, believing this location provides additional security. However, this practice has become well-known among criminals.
Gaming equipment is particularly attractive to thieves due to its high resale value and portability. Modern gaming systems often connect to credit card information and online accounts, providing additional opportunities for theft. Expensive toys, collectibles, and electronics are also common targets.
Secure valuable gaming equipment and electronics in children’s rooms. Avoid hiding valuables in these spaces. Keep records of serial numbers for gaming systems and other electronics. Consider installing motion sensors or cameras in hallways leading to children’s rooms.
Kitchen appliances offer quick profits
Modern kitchens often contain valuable small appliances that are easy for burglars to grab and resell. High-end coffee makers, mixers, blenders, and other countertop appliances can be worth hundreds of dollars each. These items are particularly vulnerable because they’re often left in plain sight on countertops.
Home security surveys reveal that kitchen appliances are increasingly targeted by thieves due to their high resale value and easy transport. Burglars know that many households invest in premium kitchen brands, making these items worth the effort to steal.
The kitchen’s location often near entry points or garages makes it an easy target during break-ins. Many homeowners don’t consider kitchen appliances as requiring security measures, leaving them vulnerable. The popularity of gourmet cooking has led to more homes having expensive kitchen equipment.
Store valuable appliances in cabinets when not in use. Keep receipts and serial numbers for expensive kitchen equipment. Consider installing cabinet locks for storing premium appliances. Use motion-sensor lights and cameras in kitchen areas, particularly if they’re near entry points.
Garage tools provide multiple theft opportunities
Garages often contain valuable tools and equipment that burglars can easily sell or use for future break-ins. Power tools, lawn equipment, and specialized tools are particularly attractive due to their high resale value. Many homeowners leave these items unsecured, focusing instead on protecting the main house.
Research from security professionals shows that garages are frequent targets for thieves. Tools can be quickly sold at pawn shops or through online marketplaces. Additionally, stolen tools may be used by burglars to facilitate other break-ins, making them doubly valuable to criminals.
Large tool chests and storage cabinets in garages often signal to burglars that valuable equipment is present. Many homeowners store expensive tools in easily portable containers, making them simple to transport. The garage’s separation from the main house can also provide thieves with privacy while they work.
Use locks and security lighting to protect garage entryways. Store valuable tools in locked cabinets or chests secured to walls or floors. Mark tools with identifying information and maintain an inventory with serial numbers, photos, and purchase records.
Understanding what burglars truly search for helps homeowners better protect their property. While securing obvious valuables remains important, protecting these unexpected targets can significantly reduce your risk. Install comprehensive security systems, maintain good lighting, and regularly review your home’s vulnerable areas. Document serial numbers and photographs of valuable items, and consider installing cameras to monitor high-risk areas. Most importantly, develop security habits that protect not just traditional valuables but all the surprising items that attract modern thieves.
