Thefts up, security down

Burglary attempts are soaring, but half of our homes are unsecured when burglars turn up to take what isn’t theirs. Police data shows there were 52,945 burglaries between January 1 and September 30 this year, which is a 34 per cent increase from the same period in 2015. Yet a report by security company Nest has revealed 48 per cent of Kiwis fail to put sufficient security measures in place, despite a third of us being burgled in the past. Although loss of property was a concern, the report found the biggest consequence for burglary victims was their inability to feel safe at home. Over a third of Kiwis – 35 per cent – reported feeling scared in their own home after a burglary.