NRMA Insurance is reporting higher home theft claims over the summer holiday period, as many Australians spend more time away from their properties. The insurer reported a 19% rise in home theft claims during summer, with January recording the highest number of claims, followed by February. Over the past year, NRMA Insurance received 2,360 home theft claims nationally, with holiday-related absences cited as a major factor.
Consumer research commissioned by NRMA Insurance shows that 46% of Australians intend to be away from home for two or more consecutive days this season, leaving many properties unoccupied for part of the summer. NRMA Insurance executive manager property claims Scott Lindsay said the pattern is consistent with travel and leave behaviour at this time of year. “We know Aussies love to go away during the summer season, but unfortunately, our data shows this is the time burglar’s strike. We want to remind everyone to be vigilant, plan ahead, and take a few simple steps to strengthen their home security before they leave – even if it’s only for a few days,” Lindsay said.
NRMA’s research indicates that many households are not adopting basic security measures commonly recommended by insurers. Fewer than half of respondents (46%) said they ask a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member to watch their property while they are away, and only 21% reported locking their valuables in a safe.
Claims data from NRMA Insurance shows that thieves often target items stored in garages and sheds, such as bicycles, sporting equipment, vehicle accessories, and garden tools. Everyday household belongings, including bags and jewellery, are also commonly reported stolen. The insurer has additionally recorded thefts of less visible items, such as water system components and copper piping, which can be removed from external or easily accessible parts of a home.
Lindsay said certain visible signs around a property can indicate that it has been left empty. “Nothing signals an empty home quicker than an overflowing mailbox, an overgrown lawn, or an empty driveway. If you’re going to be away from your home for a few days, postpone any deliveries and ask a neighbour or friend who you trust to keep an eye on things, help with basic upkeep, and collect the mail,” he said.
Lindsay added: “You’ve got to think about how to make your house unattractive to thieves. Our research showed only 35% of Australians store valuable outdoor items securely, and even more surprisingly, 32% don’t check if all their windows and doors are locked before leaving their home. Even if you feel you live in a safe area, this is the time of the year when you are most at risk, no matter where you are, so taking small steps to protect your home can make a big difference.”
For insurers and intermediaries, the findings highlight the importance of customer communication about risk mitigation, including securing outdoor equipment, checking all doors and windows before leaving, and using safes for higher‑value items.
The seasonal pattern identified by NRMA sits alongside broader property crime trends in Victoria. According to Crime Statistics Victoria, the state recorded nearly 50,000 burglary and break‑and‑enter offences in the year ending June 2025, an increase of almost 20% on the previous year.
In response to the rise in incidents, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) has issued guidance for homeowners on what to do after a break‑in and on the typical steps involved in the insurance claims process. RACV recommends that homeowners who experience a burglary move to a secure location and contact emergency services if there is any immediate risk, report the incident to Victoria Police, document all damage, compile a list of stolen items (including serial numbers where possible), and then contact their insurer to lodge a claim. Homeowners are also advised to arrange urgent repairs to secure damaged doors, windows, or other entry points and to consider upgrades to locks, alarms, and CCTV systems.
RACV recommends that policyholders maintain detailed inventories of household contents, keep receipts and valuation certificates where available, and regularly review sums insured so policy limits reflect current replacement costs. To lower the risk of repeat incidents, RACV said homeowners can secure all access points, install monitored alarm systems, trim or remove potential hiding places around the property, use smart home technology such as timers or remote lighting to give the appearance that someone is home, and store valuables in a home safe.
