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Fighting the rural crime wave

Rural crime is on the rise, reports FMG. We spoke to the insurer about how to protect yourself and your property over the summer months.

 

According to FMG, in the last five years the average claim value for burglary and theft on rural properties has risen from $4,500 to $6,800 – a 52 percent increase – while the total value of theft and burglary claims has increased by 63 percent. “We’re seeing more, higher value items being taken from each property,” says Abby France, FMG’s Client Advice Manager.

 

Since 2020, FMG has paid over $32.7 million in rural burglary and theft claims, with an average of 1,000 claims paid each year – over three a day. “The good news is that there are steps you can take to deter thieves and reduce the impact of rural crime.”

  • Make it hard to get in: Secure all entry points with locks. Make a habit of locking up your possessions and removing keys, valuables and equipment from vehicles when not in use.
  • Make it less attractive to take your belongings: Engrave or distinctively mark your equipment and tools. Well-lit areas, motion sensor lights, alarm systems and security cameras also act as strong deterrents.
  • Report it: If you are targeted by thieves, always report it to NZ Police. This helps track patterns, increases the chance of apprehending culprits and may help retrieve your belongings.
  • Understand your insurance: Stay vigilant about underinsurance. Regularly review your sum insured and policies to ensure they reflect your needs and the true replacement cost of items. Recording serial numbers and photos can also help track lost items and assist your claim.

 

Don’t become a target

Before you head off on a well-deserved summer holiday, take some time to make your property less attractive to thieves, because theft claims peak over the summer months. You might want to have a trusted friend or family member stay at your place, or someone to check on your property. Be mindful about what you post on social media. Posting about your upcoming travel plans or photos from your holiday lets people know you are away.

 

Investing in security measures like trail cameras and reinforced boundary locks helps deter unwanted access, making it harder for poachers and livestock thieves to enter- reducing the risk of livestock disturbance or theft. If livestock are taken, it’s important to report even small losses to police and notify NAIT.

 

Recovering after a theft can take a long time and causes considerable inconvenience. There may be a lot of damage to the house, garage or buildings caused during the break-in that needs to be repaired. Owners need to take stock of what’s actually missing, and over time they tend to notice more items have been taken – especially when sheds and outbuildings have also been targeted, along with the main dwelling.

 

Your insurer is there for you when things go wrong, and you’ll receive money in line with your policy to make repairs and replace stolen goods. You can’t replace your grandmother’s wedding ring or your stamp collection though, which is why it’s important to us at FMG that you take steps to make it harder for thieves to target you.