Going Away? Here’s 6 Things Burglars Want to Steal From Your Home

I’ll be honest with you—going on holiday is supposed to be carefree, but the thought of someone breaking into your home while you’re away can hang over your head. I’ve spoken to neighbours who came back from a week at the beach only to find their jewellery boxes emptied and laptops gone. Others never realised how much information they were giving away just by posting a “sunset selfie” online, tipping off the wrong people that their house was empty.

The truth is, burglars aren’t after everything—they know exactly what to look for, and they waste no time grabbing it. From cash tucked in a drawer to passports that can be flipped for quick money, the same few items come up again and again in police reports. And if you think hiding valuables in the freezer or under the mattress will keep you safe, you might be surprised by how often thieves check those spots first.

Before we dive into the specific things burglars target, I want you to pause and think: if someone walked through your front door tonight, what’s the first item they’d reach for in your house?

Why Burglars Target Homes When You’re Away

Picture this—you’re boarding a flight, excited about your long-awaited holiday, but back home your house is giving off all the wrong signals. Empty driveways, piled-up mail, and dark windows tell thieves one thing: no one’s inside.

And the numbers back it up. According to an FBI holiday crime report, burglary and property crimes can rise by more than 20% during peak vacation seasons. It makes sense—thieves know when families travel, and they look for easy, unguarded targets.

A dream trip can quickly turn into a nightmare if thieves strike. I’ve heard too many stories of people coming home to find not just valuables gone but also the unsettling feeling of knowing a stranger has walked through their rooms. That’s why understanding what burglars actually look for matters—it helps you protect what matters most.

The Top Items Burglars Steal When You’re Away

Burglars don’t waste time. They head straight for the valuables that are small, easy to carry, and simple to sell. If you know what tops their list, you’ll know what to lock down before you leave.

• Cash & Wallets: Let’s be honest—you probably keep “just in case” cash in a drawer. Burglars know this too, and it’s often the first thing they grab. Cash leaves no trail, which makes it their number one target.
• Jewelry & Watches: Tiny items with huge value. Rings, gold chains, or luxury watches disappear in seconds and fetch quick money in pawn shops. If you’re not wearing them, don’t leave them lying around.
• Laptops, Tablets, and Phones: These aren’t just pricey gadgets—they’re gateways to your personal life. Photos, banking apps, saved passwords… once stolen, the damage goes far beyond the device itself.
• Car Keys & Cars: Most of us leave keys by the door or on the counter. Thieves know it. With your keys, they can drive off with your car or worse—return later knowing your routine.
• Designer Bags & Accessories: That “just a bag” you love? For burglars, it’s a jackpot. High-demand brands, sunglasses, or sneakers are easy to carry and flip online for fast cash.
• Important Documents (Passports, IDs, Credit Cards): Losing these is more painful than losing jewellery. With your documents, thieves can commit identity fraud, leaving you to clean up the mess for years.

The truth is, burglars aren’t chasing TVs anymore. They want items that are portable, valuable, and fast to resell. If you’re heading out for a holiday, making a plan to protect just these six categories will make your home a far less appealing target.

Where Thieves Look First Inside Your Home

Burglars don’t search the whole house like in movies—they go straight to the “hot spots” where people commonly stash valuables. I’ve read police reports and even confessions from ex-burglars, and the patterns are painfully predictable.

• Bedroom drawers & closets: It’s the first stop. Cash, jewellery boxes, and watches almost always live here. If you keep valuables in your bedside drawer, you’re making a burglar’s job too easy.
• Kitchen/freezer: Believe it or not, burglars check the fridge. Why? Because people hide emergency money there. One Reddit user even admitted thieves found their cash tucked inside a bag of frozen peas.
• Living room electronics: Laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles often sit in plain view. Quick grabs, high value.
• Office desk: Passports, IDs, and credit cards are often filed neatly where burglars know to look.
• Garage: Keys, bikes, and even spare cars can disappear fast if left unsecured. Even pet doors can become weak spots for break-ins, but these 7 dog door security hacks show how to stop burglars from slipping through unnoticed. 

The key takeaway? Thieves don’t waste time guessing—they head right for these spots because that’s where most of us think we’re being clever.

Burglars’ Tricks & Habits Most People Ignore

It’s not just what thieves take—it’s how they decide which homes to hit. Burglars often case houses for days before striking, and most homeowners never notice the signs.

• Scouting houses via social media: Posting “off to Paris!” on Instagram tells everyone—including burglars—that your home is empty. Security experts constantly warn against live vacation updates.
• Checking light patterns at night: If lights are always off or on at odd hours, burglars know the house isn’t occupied.
• Empty driveways: A car missing for multiple nights is an open invitation.
• Full mailboxes & packages piling up: Nothing screams “nobody’s home” like an overflowing mailbox or Amazon boxes stacking by the door. One common oversight is packages piling up at the door, which is why learning how to prevent package theft with these 7 must-try strategies can make your home look lived-in, even when you’re away.

Security experts often remind travellers to post trip photos after they return, not in real time. It’s a small habit shift that makes a big difference.

The scary part is how subtle these tricks are—you don’t notice them, but burglars rely on them. By staying alert and breaking these patterns, you can make your home a far less tempting target.

Smart Prevention Tips to Keep Your Belongings Safe

I’ve seen it too many times—people go on holiday thinking “we’ll be fine,” only to come home to broken locks and empty drawers. The truth? A few simple steps can make burglars think twice before even stepping onto your property.

• Install smart lights & timers: Lights that turn on at random intervals give the illusion someone’s home. Burglars usually avoid well-lit, unpredictable houses.
• Use a home safe bolted to the floor: A small portable safe isn’t enough—thieves can just carry it out. A heavy, floor-anchored safe makes valuables much harder to steal.
• Ask a neighbour to check in: Nothing beats a human presence. Have them collect your mail and keep an eye out for anything unusual.
• Don’t broadcast vacations online: It’s tempting to post photos in real time, but it’s basically advertising that your house is empty. Save the uploads for when you’re back.
• Show alarm/security camera signage: Even dummy signs work as a deterrent. According to ADT security research, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into.
• Hide valuables in unexpected places: Forget the freezer or the sock drawer—thieves know those tricks. Instead, get creative with concealment, or better, use that floor safe.

By setting up these layers of defense, you make your home a far less attractive target. Remember, burglars look for easy wins—your job is to make it harder. If you want a complete checklist of practical hacks, here are 18 proven ways to theft-proof your home that go beyond just locks and alarms.

What to Do If You’re Burgled While Away

Even with all precautions, things can still go wrong. If you come back to find your home broken into, here’s what you should do immediately:

• Contact police right away: Don’t enter until officers clear the space—it could still be unsafe.
• Secure the property before re-entering: Broken locks, windows, or doors need to be fixed before you settle back in.
• Inform your insurance provider: Report the theft with documentation and photos to file your claim quickly.
• Take identity theft precautions: If passports, credit cards, or IDs are missing, freeze accounts and alert the authorities.
• Address the emotional toll: A burglary isn’t just about lost things—it shakes your sense of safety. Talking with family, support groups, or even professionals can help.

It’s a horrible experience, but knowing the right steps can soften the blow and help you recover faster.

Final Takeaways

At the end of the day, burglars aren’t after bulky TVs or heavy furniture—they target small, valuable, and easy-to-sell items like cash, jewellery, laptops, and documents. The good news? A few smart habits—like setting up lights on timers, keeping valuables in a proper safe, and resisting the urge to post holiday updates online—can drastically cut your risk.

Planning ahead before you leave for a trip gives you peace of mind, knowing your home isn’t an open invitation. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared.

What about you—have you ever taken special precautions before going on holiday? Or do you have a story about a close call with home security? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

And for more practical guides on protecting your home and making smarter choices, visit Build Like New.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not a substitute for professional security advice. Always consult local authorities and certified experts for guidance on protecting your home.