Logan residents made more home break-in insurance claims than almost any other area in Queensland last year, according to shock new RACQ data.
Almost 150 claims were made between the 4123, 4207 and 4118 postcodes – a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.
The only area in the state that recorded higher was South Brisbane, which had almost 208 break-in claims.
“We also saw a 35 per cent 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,” RACQ Group Executive Insurance Trent Sayers said.
He said more than 50 per cent of Queenslanders were “concerned about home or vehicle break-ins while not at home”.
“According to the data, more thefts occurred on weekdays than any other day of the week, with Monday being the most popular day for theft,” Mr Sayers said.
He said there were some simple precautions people could take to deter theft.
“Firstly, remember the basics – lock your doors and windows, and don’t leave a spare key somewhere obvious, like under the doormat,” he said.
“If you can, invest in a security system, a timer for your lights or even technology that allows you to control features in your home via your phone.
“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.”
Mr Sayers said that when on holiday, withhold posting photos on social media until you have returned home “so you aren’t advertising that your home is unprotected”.
“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,” he 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.”
Compare the Market research found one in 10 Aussies have no home-security in place.
It also shows that while younger generations report the highest number of break-ins, they are the most likely to have no security at home.
“It’s worrying that more Australians don’t have home security measures in place to deter thieves, especially given the rising crime rates we’re seeing in some parts of the country,” Compare the Market’s general insurance manager Adrian Taylor said.
“Our research also found most households are still utilising many different types of security measures.
“Things like security cameras, alarms, deadlocks and sensor lights can deter thieves, assist when claiming on your home and contents insurance and in some cases, may also help lower the amount you pay for cover with some providers.”
The research found window locks and deadlocks were the most common form of security in homes (53.5 per cent and 48.1 per cent respectively), followed by cameras (31.9 per cent), dogs (31.1 per cent) and sensor lights (29.7 per cent).
