Theft is an unfortunate reality that affects many people every day. From homes to cars to retail stores, thieves are always on the lookout for valuable items that are easy to steal and resell. Here’s a list of 18 everyday items that are high targets for theft, along with some tips on how to protect them.
Cash and Wallets
Cash is king for thieves because it’s untraceable and immediately usable. Wallets, often filled with cash, credit cards, and IDs, are also prime targets. To protect your cash and wallet, avoid leaving them in obvious places, like near doors or on countertops.
Jewelry and Watches
“Burglars are usually on the lookout for expensive fine jewelry and watches to steal and resell to make a profit,” making them one of the number one things stolen, according to Bankrate. Store your jewelry in a secure, hidden location, and consider using a safe or lockable jewelry box. Jewelry and watches are small, valuable, and easy to resell, making them attractive to burglars. Thieves are particularly interested in items made of precious metals and gemstones.
Electronics
From smartphones to laptops, electronics are high-value items that are easy to steal and sell. Thieves often target these items because they hold their value well, and we all use them. Keep your electronics out of sight when not in use, and consider using tracking software to help recover stolen devices.
Prescription Drugs
Medications can be resold on the black market for a significant profit, especially those that are commonly abused and not sold over the counter. Thieves and addicts are finding creative ways to get their hands on controlled substances. ABC reports, “During an open house, sellers typically secure valuables like jewelry, electronics and personal information, but locking up medicine cabinets may be next on the list.”
Cars and Motorcycles
Vehicles are often stolen for their parts or to be resold. Thieves can use various methods, from fishing keys through a letterbox to cloning key fobs. Always keep your keys in a secure location, and consider using additional security measures like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.
Bicycles
Bikes are a favorite target for thieves because they are valuable, easy to steal, and can be used as a getaway vehicle. Always lock your bike to an immovable object with a sturdy lock, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes.
Tools
Power tools and other equipment are often stolen from garages and sheds. These items are valuable and easy to resell, and some are even used to commit other crimes, knowing the fingerprints will link back to the owner. Keep your tools organized in a lockable toolbox, and consider installing security cameras in your garage or shed.
Firearms
“Every day in the U.S., roughly 1 gun is stolen every 90 seconds. That amounts to around 380,000 stolen guns every year, many of which are later used to commit violent crimes,” reports Truck Vault. Firearms are highly sought after by thieves due to their high resale value and potential use in criminal activities. Always store firearms in a secure, locked safe, and never leave them unattended or easily accessible, especially in your vehicle.
Personal Documents
Thieves can use personal documents like Social Security cards, passports, and bank statements to commit identity theft. Keep these documents in a secure, hidden location, and consider using a safe for added protection. Also, be mindful of what you throw away; while that insurance bill may not seem like much to you, it may be when you get a hospital bill for a stay you never had.
Clothing and Fashion Accessories
Designer clothing and accessories are most often the target of shoplifters but can be part of a home burglary as well. High-end fashion has a resale market that makes it easy for thieves to move stolen goods without much of a trace back to themselves. One day you may be walking down the street thinking, “I have the same dress,” when it was actually yours.
Alcohol
There is a second-hand market for hard-to-find liquor that can turn booze into a thief’s dream. Alcohol can also be the target of underage drinkers looking to have a party. To keep your libations safe, keep them locked up and not on display.
Food and Groceries
Surprisingly, food and groceries are commonly stolen, often due to financial hardship. With the rise of grocery delivery apps, grocery thefts are also on the rise. Keep your groceries out of sight or be sure you are home when the delivery is scheduled to happen and consider using security measures like cameras or alarms in your home.
License Plates
When was the last time you looked at your license plates? “Criminals can use stolen license plates to commit fraud, cover their tracks during a crime, or rack up fines in your name,” says Aura, all without you even realizing it was gone. Regularly check your license plates and consider using anti-theft screws to secure them.
Catalytic Converters
You may think people only steal whole vehicles or wheels, but you would be wrong. Catalytic converters are targeted for the valuable metals they contain, such as platinum and palladium. Park your car in well-lit areas, and consider using a catalytic converter lock to deter theft.
Trading Cards
Most of us may have forgotten the days of trading baseball cards or even more modern Pokémon cards. Trading cards, especially rare ones, can be worth a lot of money. Be careful not to brag about what you have in mixed company, and store your valuable cards in a secure location using protective cases.
Batteries
A shoplifter’s dream. Batteries are small, valuable, and easy to steal. Store batteries in a secure location, and be mindful of where you leave them when shopping.
Razor Blades
Have you noticed a trend of razors suddenly being locked up at the drugstore? It’s because razor blades are expensive and small enough to conceal. The question is whether shoplifters are keeping them or if there is a black market for all the Gillettes.
Toys
Check Santa’s wish list. Whatever hot new toy is on the market, especially around the holidays, is going to be on thieves’ radars as well as your child’s. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on whatever the new Tickle Me Elmo is, be sure to keep it with you until you’re able to get it home and hidden. Putting shopping bags in your car while you shop will make you a target for anyone who knows what’s in the bag.
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