$60,000 burglary claim shock

AA Insurance has paid out $60,000 on a burglary claim from hell. Burglars took a ‘‘mini holiday’’ in a central Christchurch property, and trashed the place in a rampage of destruction.

‘‘Before departing they ransacked the house, vandalised the curtains and blinds, bled over an expensive rug, and stole a significant number of items including jewellery, electronics, tools and firearms,’’ said AA Insurance’s Amelia Macandrew.

She said burglars were becoming more brazen, not only stealing from empty homes but holidaying in them too, though AA Insurance had seen a 30 per cent drop in burglary and theft claims during the past year.

Macandrew said: ‘‘While these types of brazen burglary cases are rare, it can be a traumatic experience for homeowners.’’

Another customer was burgled just before Christmas while she was away.

‘‘Almost $16,000 worth of items were stolen, including tools, electronics, bikes, outdoor items, clothing and jewellery,’’ Macandrew said.

The latest AA Insurance Home Security Survey found that onethird of Kiwis have experienced a break-in, with 22 per cent of these instances happening while they were away on holiday or a long weekend.

Burglary claims were most common in and around the Christmas break, long weekends and public holidays.

‘‘It’s been interesting to note that there have been 30 per cent fewer burglary and theft claims over the 12-month period ending January 2017 than the previous year, yet the total amount paid has stayed the same at around $8 million,’’ Macandrew said.

‘‘It may be that Kiwis have more expensive items in their homes, or that burglars are becoming pickier.’’ –Fairfax NZ