During the last 12 months AA Insurance has handled around $8 million of burglary claims, including the cost of repairs to damaged homes. Yet this figure doesn't account for customers' emotional loss, which can't be covered by insurance.
It's the things that aren't measured in a survey that are often underestimated, like knowing a stranger has been in your home, rifled through your belongings and taken sentimentally priceless things you value.
"It's misleading to describe burglary as a victimless crime just because it rarely involves the presence of the homeowner. But you don't need to be physically harmed to suffer from a crime," says Melodie Vickars, Customer Brand Manager, AA Insurance.
"Our claims team helps customers on a daily basis who've been burgled, and the effects can be quite traumatising. Their privacy has been invaded and they're left without a sense of safety, for themselves as well as their belongings. It's more than just replacing stuff; it's rebuilding the security of your home, which is the place you and your family should feel the safest.
"We've had customers who've had thieves live in their home while they've been away, others who have had their homes ransacked and vandalised, or had their heirloom jewellery and family mementos stolen," she says.
The majority of those who've had a break-in add extra security to their home, like deadlocks on their doors and windows, and install an alarm. They also tend to take more precautions when they head out, either on holiday or even when they're out for the day.
"We readily support these security measures, but while it may seem obvious, they'll only work if you use them," she says. "We've had numerous claims where a customer has just popped out to the shops so didn't bother setting the alarm, only to return to a burglary. Thieves are fast; we should never underestimate the time it takes to break in, do a clean sweep of a home, and leave. It happens more often than you can imagine."
Thieves are also opportunistic, she says, and will choose the easiest target; so don't make it any easier for them.
"If you know all your neighbours have alarms and you don't, then your home may automatically feel like the easiest target."
"We encourage all Kiwis to consider their security options now, whether they've had a burglary or not," continues Melodie. "Alarms and deadlocks on doors and windows may not always keep a burglar out, but they can be just the deterrent to make them think twice before breaking into your home, or put a limit on what they take and how long they have undetected access to your home. Don't become an easy target."
You can find more security tips and helpful advice on our Living Room blog