The Herald kicks off a special series this week on beating the criminals, and how ordinary New Zealanders can combat crime.
In a special property crime report the Herald is examining a problem prompting $20 million in insurance claims every month.
We will reveal the risks for commuters, the chances of becoming a repeat victim, where cars are most often stolen and which days homes are most likely to be burgled.
The series this week identifies the "hot spots'' and shows you how to avoid becoming a victim.
There were 59,518 burglaries and 135,442 thefts recorded nationwide last year. Just one-fifth were resolved.
