SGIO data shows current generation gaming consoles and games are increasingly sought by thieves in WA with both the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii in the top ten most stolen items last financial year.
Laptops and digital cameras continue to top the list and thefts across both categories have spiked compared to the last two financial years.
“Our claims data shows that burglars consistently target easy to grab items like laptops, MP3 players and digital cameras because they tend to be light to carry and easy to pawn*,” said SGIO spokesperson Mariana Cidade.
“We’ve also found that current generation gaming consoles and games are increasingly popular with thieves. We have seen similar increases in thefts of smartphones and other high-value gadgets’.
Ms Cidade said there are simple precautions WA residents can take to protect their homes.
“Remember to always lock up, regardless of whether you are away for five minutes or the entire holiday period. Avoid leaving packaging for big tickets items outside your home and use light timers so it looks like someone is home,” said Ms Cidade.
SGIO recommends the following home security tips:
The top ten items stolen from WA homes over 2011–2012 were:
1 | Laptops |
2 | MP3 players |
3 | Compact digital cameras |
4 | Mobile phones (3G) |
5 | Games consoles - PlayStation 3 |
6 | Televisions |
7 | Digital SLR cameras |
8 | Games consoles - Nintendo Wii |
9 | Computer accessories - USB, portable hard drive etc |
10 | Jewellery / watches |
* Based on SGIO Home Contents claims data sourced for Financial Years 2009–2010, 2010–2011 and 2011–2012.
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