Tips to stop thieves from making off with presents

Jewellery and games consoles are likely to be top of thieves' wish lists this Christmas, newly released figures show.

Research from the IAG Group - which also owns the State and NZI insurance brands in New Zealand - shows jewellery, games consoles and household electrical goods such as TVs, DVD players and stereos are among the most popular items for thieves.

Claims collated between November 2003 and last October were examined to identify the most commonly stolen items.

Jewellery featured in 17.8 per cent of claims and game consoles and games in 17.2 per cent.

Cameras, computers, tools and garden equipment (8 or 9 per cent of claims) were also popular.

Video cameras, sporting equipment and bicycles featured in less than 3 per cent of claims.

The research also showed 40 per cent of burgled premises are burgled a second time within six months if security is not improved.

IAG NZ's head of underwriting and risk management, Karl Armstrong, urged people to lock their homes at all times.

"Thieves only need a few minutes to break in and steal your valuable belongings," he said.

"It truly kills the Christmas spirit when presents are stolen from under the Christmas tree. Not securing your home at all times will tempt thieves, as new goods still wrapped and packaged under the tree can easily be resold or returned."

Simple tips to protect your property: Keep doors locked at all times, even if you are at home; install double-keyed deadlocks and key locks for windows and an alarm; make your home appear lived in - keep blinds partly open, use a timer to turn on a radio and activate lights at night; let your neighbours know you will be away and have someone regularly collect the mail; and keep records of appliance serial numbers.

- NZPA