Gone are the days when burglars were only after cash, jewelry, and electronics. Today’s thieves have gotten way more creative about what they swipe from homes. According to recent statistics, some of their most common targets might really surprise you – like your garden furniture (which makes up 32% of stolen items) or even your prescription meds. Understanding what burglars are actually looking for can help you better protect your stuff.

Prescription medications have become a prime target

Most people wouldn’t think twice about leaving their medicine cabinet unlocked, but prescription medications have become one of the hottest items on a burglar’s shopping list. Pain medications, anti-anxiety drugs, and stimulants are particularly attractive because they can be quickly sold on the street. What makes this even scarier is that thieves often know exactly what they’re looking for – they can spot valuable medications just by reading the label.

The really tricky part about medication theft is that many people keep their prescriptions in predictable spots – the bathroom medicine cabinet or kitchen counter. A small medication safe can make a huge difference in protecting your prescriptions. Some thieves even case homes by working as contractors or service providers, taking mental notes of where medications are stored during legitimate visits.

Another concerning trend is that burglars often target homes where elderly residents live, knowing they’re more likely to have multiple prescriptions. They might monitor when people pick up their medications from the pharmacy or watch for telltale prescription delivery packages. Some thieves even go through trash looking for empty prescription bottles to identify which homes have the medications they want.

The smartest thing you can do is treat your medications like you would treat cash or jewelry. Keep them locked up, out of sight, and never discuss your prescriptions with people you don’t completely trust. If you have medications that are particularly valuable or controlled substances, consider keeping them in a different spot than your regular everyday medicines.

Your personal documents are worth more than gold

Identity theft has become so lucrative that burglars often value your personal papers more than actual cash. They’re after passports, birth certificates, social security cards, and even seemingly mundane items like utility bills. These documents can be used to open credit cards, take out loans, or create entirely new identities. Many people keep all their important papers in one convenient spot – making it super easy for thieves to grab everything they need in one go.

What’s particularly sneaky is that you might not even realize your documents have been stolen until weeks or months later when mysterious charges start appearing or credit applications get denied. A quality fireproof document safe isn’t just for protecting against fires anymore – it’s becoming essential for preventing identity theft.

Tax returns are another goldmine for thieves because they contain tons of personal information all in one place. Many people keep copies of their returns in easily accessible desk drawers or filing cabinets. Even old mail can be valuable to burglars – they know that credit card statements and bank documents often contain enough information to start building a false identity.

The most effective way to protect your documents is to keep only what you absolutely need at home, and store those items in a secure safe. Consider keeping rarely-needed documents like birth certificates in a bank safety deposit box. For documents you need to throw away, always use a good cross-cut shredder – those strip-cut shredders just don’t cut it anymore (pun intended).

Designer clothes and accessories are quick cash

Your closet might be more valuable than you think. Designer clothing, handbags, and shoes have become major targets for burglars because they’re easy to carry out and quick to resell. Unlike electronics that can be tracked or jewelry that might need to be pawned, high-end fashion items can be sold through various online marketplaces with minimal risk. Some thieves even have specific buyers lined up before they break in.

Walk-in closets are particularly attractive to burglars because everything’s organized and easy to see. If you have expensive clothing or accessories, consider a closet security system with motion sensors. Many people display their designer items prominently, making it easy for thieves to spot the most valuable pieces quickly.

Shopping bags from high-end stores left visible through windows or thrown in the trash are like advertisements for burglars. They indicate that valuable items are inside and even show exactly what brands to look for. Some thieves specifically target homes after seeing residents return from shopping trips to upscale stores, knowing there will be new merchandise to steal.

The best defense is being discrete about your designer purchases and varying where you store them. Don’t keep all your expensive items in one obvious place like a master bedroom closet. Consider using unmarked storage boxes or garment bags that don’t advertise what’s inside. And definitely avoid posting your latest shopping hauls on social media – that’s like sending an invitation to thieves.

Garden furniture tops the most stolen list

Here’s something that might shock you – garden furniture is actually the most commonly stolen item in home burglaries, making up a whopping 32% of all theft. That expensive patio set or those fancy outdoor cushions are prime targets because they’re easily accessible and don’t require breaking into the house. Plus, outdoor furniture can be quickly loaded into a truck and resold at flea markets or online.

The problem gets worse during warmer months when people spend more time outdoors. Many homeowners don’t think to secure their outdoor furniture the same way they protect items inside their homes. Thieves often scout neighborhoods at night, looking for high-end outdoor furniture that’s left unsecured.

Even seemingly heavy items like grills and fire pits aren’t safe. Burglars often work in teams to quickly load these items into waiting vehicles. Some thieves specifically target homes during bad weather when people are less likely to be watching their outdoor spaces. They know most people won’t notice missing outdoor items until the weather clears up.

To protect your outdoor investments, consider using security cables or chains to secure furniture pieces together or to fixed points. Store smaller items like cushions and decorative pieces inside when not in use. Motion-sensor lights and visible security cameras can also make thieves think twice about targeting your outdoor space.

Smart home devices contain valuable data

Your smart home devices might be smarter than you think – and that’s exactly why burglars want them. These gadgets often contain valuable personal information, from your daily routines to your wifi passwords. Smart speakers, security cameras, and home automation hubs can give thieves access to your digital life. Some sophisticated burglars specifically target these devices to gather information for future break-ins or identity theft.

The real risk comes from devices that store personal data or have access to your home network. A secure smart home hub is crucial for protecting your connected devices. Many people don’t realize that even seemingly simple devices like smart lightbulbs can provide information about their daily routines.

What makes this particularly concerning is that some thieves are tech-savvy enough to hack into poorly secured smart home networks. They might use stolen devices to access your home network later or gather information about when you’re typically away from home. Some burglars even look for homes with visible smart home devices, knowing these households likely have other valuable electronics inside.

Protecting your smart home means more than just securing the physical devices. Use strong, unique passwords for all your devices and networks. Regularly update firmware and software to patch security vulnerabilities. Consider setting up a separate network for your smart home devices to keep them isolated from your main network where you store sensitive information.

Keys and garage door openers enable future break ins

Many burglars think long-term – they’re not just after what they can grab now, but what they might be able to steal later. That’s why spare keys and garage door openers are such valuable targets. These items give them easy access for future break-ins when they know you’ve replaced what was stolen the first time. Some thieves specifically look for key hooks near entrances or spare keys “hidden” in obvious spots.

A modern solution is using a smart door lock that eliminates the need for physical keys altogether. Many people don’t realize that old spare keys they’ve forgotten about or garage door openers left in unlocked cars are basically invitations for thieves to return.

Some burglars will even steal one garage door opener and leave others untouched, hoping you won’t notice the missing one. They might wait weeks or months before using it, assuming you’ve let your guard down by then. Car keys are particularly valuable because they give thieves access to both your vehicle and your garage door opener, which often leads straight into your home.

The best defense is to keep track of every key and opener you own. Never leave spares in obvious places like under doormats or in fake rocks. If any keys or openers go missing, change your locks immediately. For garage door openers, you can usually reset the code to disable any stolen remotes – something many people don’t think to do after a break-in.

Children’s rooms contain unexpected treasures

Most parents would never think their kid’s room would be a target, but burglars know better. Gaming consoles, tablets, laptops used for schoolwork, and even collectible toys can be worth a lot of money. What makes children’s rooms particularly vulnerable is that they’re often the least secured rooms in the house – parents focus on protecting master bedrooms and home offices, leaving kids’ rooms relatively unprotected.

Modern gaming setups can be worth thousands of dollars. A gaming console security lock might seem excessive, but it can protect valuable electronics that are often left out in the open. Many kids also keep their devices’ passwords written down somewhere in their room, giving thieves access to accounts and personal information.

Some thieves specifically target homes during school hours, knowing children’s rooms will be empty and devices left behind. They also know that many kids don’t lock their windows or might have easy-to-access ground-floor rooms. Popular toys and collectibles that might seem worthless to parents can actually have significant resale value on collector markets.

To protect your children’s valuable items, treat their rooms with the same security consideration as other parts of your house. Install window locks, even on upper floors. Keep expensive gaming equipment and electronics out of sight from windows. Consider using a safe for valuable collectibles, and teach kids about the importance of securing their belongings.

Tools and equipment from garages sell fast

Your garage might be a goldmine for burglars, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast or home improvement fan. Power tools, lawn equipment, and mechanical tools are highly targeted because they’re easy to sell and hard to track. Many people invest thousands in their tool collections but don’t secure them as carefully as they do items inside their homes. Garages often become an easy entry point for thieves.

Professional-grade tools are particularly attractive to thieves. A good garage security system is worth considering if you have expensive equipment. Some burglars specifically watch for homes where residents are doing renovation projects, knowing there will be valuable tools on site.

What makes garage theft particularly sneaky is that it can happen without anyone realizing it. Thieves might take tools one at a time over several visits, making it harder to notice things are missing. They often target homes during the day when many people leave their garage doors open while doing yard work or other activities.

The best protection starts with basic garage security – always closing your door, using strong locks, and covering windows so thieves can’t window shop. Mark your tools with your driver’s license number (harder to remove than names), and keep an updated inventory with photos and serial numbers. Consider installing a wireless camera system specifically for your garage area.

Mail and packages reveal valuable information

Your mailbox and front porch might be giving burglars more information than you realize. Thieves often start by stealing mail and packages to gather information about your shopping habits, financial status, and when you’re likely to be home. They look for shipping labels from high-end retailers, bank statements, and even those pre-approved credit card offers that most people ignore.

Package theft has become so common that a secure porch lockbox is almost essential these days. Some thieves specifically follow delivery trucks through neighborhoods, waiting to grab packages as soon as they’re dropped off. They know that most people won’t be home during typical delivery hours.

What makes mail theft particularly concerning is that it can help thieves plan larger burglaries. They might notice patterns in your deliveries or spot invoices for expensive purchases. Some burglars even use stolen mail to figure out when you’re likely to be on vacation by watching for held mail or vacation-related purchases.

To protect your mail and packages, consider using a post office box for sensitive mail, or install a secure mailbox that locks. Never leave packages sitting outside – either have them delivered to your workplace or use package lockers. Be careful about disposing of shipping boxes and packaging that might advertise valuable items inside your home.

Copper materials have surprising value

Most homeowners would never guess that the copper in their homes is a major target for thieves. But with copper prices soaring, burglars are increasingly targeting homes under renovation or with exposed copper pipes and wiring. They know that copper can be quickly sold to scrap yards for good money. Some thieves even strip copper from air conditioning units or tear into walls to get at valuable wiring.

What’s particularly troubling is that copper theft can cause significant damage to your home. A outdoor security camera system can help protect external copper components like AC units and gutters. Some thieves specifically target homes under construction or renovation, knowing there will be exposed copper materials.

The risk isn’t just about losing the copper – the damage caused by thieves ripping out pipes and wiring can cost far more to repair than the value of the stolen metal. Some burglars will even pose as maintenance workers to gain access to areas where copper materials are stored or installed. They might scout neighborhoods looking for homes with outdoor copper fixtures or renovation projects.

To protect your home’s copper components, keep outdoor units secured and well-lit. If you’re renovating, store copper materials securely and out of sight. Consider installing motion sensors near AC units and other outdoor copper fixtures. Be wary of unsolicited offers to perform maintenance on your home’s plumbing or electrical systems.

Understanding what burglars really want can help you better protect your home. It’s not just about locking doors and windows anymore – it’s about thinking like a thief and identifying what items might make your home a target. By securing these unexpected items and being aware of what burglars are really after, you can make your home much less attractive to potential thieves and better protect your belongings.