What Do Burglars Actually Want? The Most Stolen Items (And What Gets Ignored)
Ever wondered what a burglar is really after when they break into a home? It’s not always the big-ticket items you might see in movies. Understanding a burglar's mindset—what they want, how they think, and what scares them off—is the first step to outsmarting them and securing your peace of mind.
At Kangaroo, we believe smart home security should be simple and accessible to everyone. This definitive guide will walk you through the most coveted items for burglars, what they tend to ignore, and crucially, how they choose their targets in the first place.
The Burglar's Wish List: Small, Valuable, and Easy to Liquidate
Burglars operate on a simple risk-reward calculation. They want maximum value for minimal effort and time. They need items that are easy to carry and can be quickly converted into untraceable cash.
Cash and Gift Cards: The ultimate prize. Cash is untraceable, universal, and requires no effort to use. Gift cards are a close second, acting as anonymous debit cards.
Jewelry: Small, immensely valuable, and easy to conceal, jewelry is a classic target. Burglars can quickly sell gold, diamonds, and designer watches.
Electronics: Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and new gaming consoles are high-demand items. They are lightweight and have a high resale value on secondary markets.
Prescription Drugs: Your medicine cabinet is a modern-day treasure trove. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), prescription drugs are among the most commonly diverted controlled substances, making them a key target for theft due to their high street value.
Designer Handbags & Wallets: These often contain cash and cards, making them a two-for-one prize for a thief in a hurry.
Firearms: A valuable and dangerous commodity on the black market, making them a primary target if a burglar can find them.
Personal Identification: Identity theft is a rampant and lucrative crime. Burglars look for passports, driver's licenses, and mail that can be used to open fraudulent accounts.
What Burglars Usually Leave Behind
Understanding what burglars don't want is just as insightful. These items are often too bulky, too personalized, or simply not worth the risk.
Large Furniture and Appliances: Your sofa, refrigerator, or washing machine is almost always safe. They are far too heavy and awkward for a quick getaway.
Most Clothing: Unless you have a closet full of high-end designer wear with the tags still on, burglars will likely pass over your wardrobe.
Books and General Home Decor: Items with personal or sentimental value but little cash worth, like photo albums, books, and decorations, are of no interest.
Large Televisions (Usually): This is a shifting trend. While massive, wall-mounted TVs were once a deterrent due to their size, newer, lighter models can sometimes be a target if the opportunity is right.
How Burglars Choose a Target Home
A burglar's most important decision happens before they ever step inside. They are experts at spotting signs of an easy target. Here’s what they look for:
Signs of an Empty House: An overflowing mailbox, uncut grass, piled-up newspapers, or a driveway with no cars are all green lights for a burglar.
Lack of Visible Security: This is the big one. Homes without visible security cameras, alarm system signs, or even a doorbell camera are seen as softer targets. A study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that nearly 60% of convicted burglars said the presence of a security system would cause them to seek an alternative target.
Easy Entry Points: Burglars will scout for unlocked doors, open windows (especially on the ground floor), and weak door frames. The FBI reports that the majority of burglaries, over 55%, involve forcible entry, but a shocking 37% are unlawful entries—meaning the thief got in without force through an unlocked access point.
Poor Lighting: Dark porches, shadowy side yards, and unlit backyards provide excellent cover for a burglar to work unseen.
Good Cover: Overgrown shrubs and large trees near the home can hide a burglar from street view as they force entry.
A Room-by-Room Guide to Securing Your Valuables
Think like a burglar for a moment. Where is the first place you would look for valuables?
The Master Bedroom: This is almost always the first stop. Burglars check closets, dresser drawers, and under the mattress for cash, jewelry, and firearms.
Kangaroo Solution: Don't keep your irreplaceable valuables here. For the items you do store, a Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor on the bedroom door and windows provides a crucial layer of defense, alerting you instantly if the room is entered.
The Home Office: This room is a goldmine for electronics and personal data. Laptops, checkbooks, and file cabinets with sensitive documents are top targets.
Kangaroo Solution: Secure laptops when not in use. For an added layer of security, an affordable Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Cam can monitor the room and send photo alerts of any motion to your phone.
The Living Room: Thieves will do a quick scan for small electronics, wallets on a coffee table, or car keys left near the door.
Kangaroo Solution: A visible camera in the main living area acts as a powerful deterrent. And never leave keys in plain sight.
The Takeaway: Smart Security is Proactive Security
Protecting your home doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By understanding what burglars are looking for and implementing simple, smart security measures, you can dramatically reduce your risk. Explore our full range of Kangaroo home security products and take the first step towards a safer, more secure home today. For more expert tips, be sure to check out our blog, TheRooYorker.
