Beware! Burglars are back

Your home and its contents are likely to be your biggest asset, so it's important to make sure they're properly protected

- OLIVIA GEE

While the pandemic lockdowns limited many aspects of life, they came with a few silver linings. Extra time at home gave many people the capacity to kickstart side hustles, while others enjoyed flexible work arrangements. And while we were hanging around the house, we were less likely to be robbed.

After social restrictions were introduced in March 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recorded a 41% decline in unlawful entries in the quarter. Over the year, the number of offences dropped to its lowest in the 28 years that the ABS has been tracking this kind of data.

It estimates 1.7% of households experienced a break-in over the 2020-21 financial year, compared with 2.4% the previous year. Across both years, something was stolen in 71% of cases.

However, the rate of reporting these crimes to police also dropped - down from 74% to 68%. As the country moves back into its pre-pandemic routine, it may be time to revisit home security and the steps you should take after a burglary.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A ROBBERY

1 CONTACT POLICE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Contact the police assistance line on 131 444 to lodge a report and note down the report reference number - this will be required for insurance purposes. The police should let you know if they'll be coming to your home to conduct forensic tests. Follow any advice they provide about not disturbing the space so they have the best chance of uncovering the perpetrator's fingerprints and other evidence.

2 IDENTIFY MISSING BELONGINGS

You'll need to note stolen items to include in the initial police report, but you can add to this list if you uncover more missing belongings down the line. Jewellery, sporting equipment, cash, wallets and trade tools appear most often on the ABS list of stolen household goods, so start your search there.