【Home Burglary】8 Anti-Theft Tips｜Comparison of 10 Home Insurance Plans with Coverage Details (Including Symbol Reference Chart)

In the first half of 2024, there were 503 home burglary cases in Hong Kong, an increase of 114 compared to the same period last year. The rise in burglaries involving village houses surged significantly from 87 cases last year to 176 cases. This highlights the urgent need to improve home security and prevent burglaries. Kwiksure shares 8 practical tips to enhance home safety and includes a comparison chart of "house markings" commonly used in Mainland China and Hong Kong.

House Markings used in Mainland China and Hong Kong

How to Prevent Home Burglaries?

While some burglaries may result in only stolen items, others may involve property damage, such as broken doors and windows. Burglars often target cash, valuables, and easily resold items like jewelry, watches, and electronics (laptops, tablets, smartphones, and cameras). Below are 8 practical anti-theft tips for your home.

Smart Locks for Enhanced Security

Door locks are the first and most crucial line of defense against burglary. Burglars tend to avoid complex locks. Smart locks, which are increasingly popular, use fingerprints, passwords, or even facial recognition instead of traditional keys. Although they may seem less reliable than traditional locks, many smart locks use C-grade lock cores, offering higher anti-theft capabilities compared to A-grade cores in regular keyed locks.

In addition, many smart locks have remote connection features that notify users via messages when unusual activity is detected outside the door, significantly enhancing home security.

Avoid Basic Mistakes

Hiding keys under doormats or flower pots? These tricks are outdated and unsafe. Common errors like forgetting to lock the door or leaving the key in the lock can result in major financial losses if a burglar strikes.

Stay Vigilant at All Times

Pay attention to strangers loitering near your residence. Even when staff such as repair workers or meter readers visit, it’s wise to check their credentials. According to police reports, burglars often “case” a location by visiting in advance to gather intelligence.

Install and Inspect Window Grilles

Aside from the main door, windows are another common entry point for burglars, particularly in village houses and lower-floor units. Make sure to install window grilles or bars, ensure they are securely embedded into the walls, and use high-quality window locks. Regularly inspect their condition for added safety.

Psychological Tactics: Simulate Occupancy

Most burglaries happen at night. If you’re traveling or working late, create the illusion that someone is home. For instance, set alarms to turn on the TV, radio, or lights automatically. Many smart home systems allow remote control of these devices, even when you're away.

Foster Good Neighborly Relations

In densely populated areas like Hong Kong, building strong neighborly relationships is an effective anti-theft measure. Cooperating with neighbors can be more effective than working alone.

Store Valuables in a Safe

Keep your valuable items, such as electronics, jewelry, cash, or important documents, out of sight. Store them in a home or bank safe. If you must keep such items at home, consider marking them, recording their details, retaining receipts, or photographing them for identification purposes. Most importantly, consider purchasing home contents insurance for optimal protection.

Invest in Anti-Theft Devices

Depending on your needs and risks, there are various anti-theft devices available, from secure doors and locks to curtains and alarm systems.

For example, small anti-theft alarms use passive infrared, magnetic, or vibration detection, are battery-operated, and easy to install in concealed spots. However, they can also be easily removed. Smart alarm systems, equipped with CCTV and motion detection, are ideal for standalone homes, village houses, or larger properties. These systems can issue alerts and send video footage to residents if intrusions are detected. For village houses or ground-floor units, you can install lighting systems, fences, or burglar alarms on doors and windows.

Secure Home Insurance

Even the best anti-theft measures cannot guarantee 100% protection against burglars. However, homeowners with insurance can receive compensation if such unfortunate incidents occur. Home insurance covers not only burglaries but also other potential household incidents.

Comparison of 10 Home Insurance Plans: Premiums & Coverage

Based on a 24-year-old private residential unit with a usable area of 450 sq. ft.

The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the respective provider for official details.

How to Decide on Home Insurance Premiums?

When purchasing home insurance, carefully review the coverage and limits. Most plans cover common burglary targets, such as valuable jewelry, art, electronics, and collectibles, as well as damage to doors and windows caused by break-ins.

Premiums vary depending on the coverage, property size and value, and compensation limits. Notably, if you implement anti-theft measures at home, such as specialized burglar-proof windows or alarms, your insurer may offer reduced premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does home insurance cover burglaries?

Yes, home insurance typically provides coverage for home contents. When purchasing, check the total coverage and the specific limits for each item to avoid insufficient compensation for high-value items.

Which home insurance is the best?

Many insurers in the market offer home insurance plans. In addition to home contents coverage, some plans include global personal belongings protection, loss of cash, credit card theft protection, and moving coverage. Choose a plan based on your needs. Remember, policies often include deductibles, so don’t focus solely on the premium amount.