Why items typically not expected to be stolen are actually super popular among thieves

Key Findings:

• Expert gives insight into which unexpected items are most likely to get stolen from homes
• Surprising items include a car’s exhaust, prescription drugs and small furniture items
• Expert gives their top tips on how to secure homes

Cash, jewelry, electronics—these are the items our minds jump to when we think about what thieves are after, and the items we focus on when protecting our homes. But it turns out, thieves are actually interested in a much broader range of items. 

On average, homeowners lose $2,692 in each burglary. While cash, jewels, electronics, and clothes are popular, thieves are distressingly creative when it comes to how and what they steal from our homes. 

“As one of the largest entry points to your home, it is important to make sure the garage door is safe and reliable,” say experts at B&D Garage Doors, a premier manufacturer of secure garage doors.

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system. They convert harmful emissions from the car’s engine into less harmful substances before they’re ejected through the exhaust pipe. 

These converters contain several precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. All of these metals command prices that can rival or even exceed those of gold, and the demand for them has surged globally, driving up their value and consequently increasing the incentive for their theft.

Catalytic converters are located on the underside of vehicles, usually within easy reach. 

“With minimal tools – like a saw or specialized cutting tool – a thief can remove a catalytic converter in just a few minutes,” says the B&D team. “This quick turnover means thieves can steal multiple converters in a short time, maximizing their illicit earnings. Once removed, they are virtually unidentifiable, making it nearly impossible for stolen items to be linked to a specific crime or vehicle.” 

“Ensure your car is kept safely behind your garage door to minimize risk,” they warn.

Prescription Drugs

Many prescription medications, especially those that are controlled substances like opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants, have a significant street value. These drugs can be sold at a high markup compared to their retail price, making them lucrative targets for thieves. 

Bicycles

Bicycles, especially high-end racing or mountain biking models, sometimes cost thousands of dollars. Moreover, there is a consistent demand for bicycles in both new and used markets, ensuring stolen items can be quickly and easily sold for a good price.

B&D explains that bicycles are also easier to sell than many other high-value items as they can be offloaded in numerous ways: through online marketplaces, at pawn shops, via second-hand dealers, or through informal exchanges. “As they are often kept within a garage, having a garage that locks shut is paramount to protecting your bikes from would-be thieves,” B&D comments. 

Furniture

Some pieces of furniture, especially those that are antique, designer, or part of limited edition collections, can fetch high prices on the resale market. In particular, items that can be easily disassembled or small enough to move quickly, such as chairs, stools, and small tables, are especially at risk. 

“Opportunistic thieves can take advantage of moves, estate clearances, or more easily accessible locations like garages or storage units, which is why it is important to have full control over the operation and monitoring of your garage door,” B&D comments. 

Personal Documents

Unlike physical items, personal documents can be sold on dark web marketplaces where they’re in high demand. The relative ease of transferring these documents anonymously online makes them highly attractive to thieves.

The experts at B&D Garage Doors commented:

“Homeowners can significantly enhance their security and deter potential burglars by adopting a layered approach to home security. Physical barriers, like strong doors with deadbolt locks, window locks, and security bars, can make forced entry challenging. High-quality, durable garage doors can prevent intruders from breaking in easily.

“A garage door system that integrates with smartphones, allowing you to monitor your home remotely, will be a large deterrent.  Simple solutions like these can significantly strengthen a home’s security profile and protect against potential burglaries.”

Sources

Average cost of a burglary statistic: Forbes.