The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that most burglaries occur during the summer months. While some burglars enter your home, others target soft targets — the items you store outside. One in three homeowners do not protect these items, but you can reduce your risk with simple precautions.
Be sure your homeowners or renters insurance policies are up to date; for related guidance see Insurance-related guidance: home burglary risks, alcohol-related claims, home selling, whole life insurance, and business risk management.
How to protect common soft targets
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Vacant properties — Thieves and vandals often target vacant homes to steal scrap metal or other items. If you're away, keep doors and windows locked, use timers to turn on indoor lights at random times, and install outdoor motion-activated lights. Consider a camera system that lets you monitor your property while you're gone.
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Vehicles and loose items — Experienced car thieves can steal a vehicle quickly. Always lock your car, park in a locked garage when possible, use a visible alarm or anti-theft device, and hide loose items like electronics, garage door openers, toll passes, and parking permits in the trunk or glove box.
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Unlocked sheds and garages — Tools and lawn equipment are easy to resell. Keep garage and shed doors and windows locked even when you're working nearby, and store valuable tools inside rather than leaving them visible.
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Sports equipment — Outdoor equipment for baseball, kayaking, or tennis is commonly stolen when left outside. Store gear in a locked garage or shed, or use a locked bin or your vehicle's trunk.
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Bicycles — Ideally store bikes inside a locked garage or shed. If kept outside, use a heavy chain threaded through the frame and wheels with a thick padlock instead of thin chains or easily removed wheel locks.
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Air conditioning units — Outdoor AC units contain copper coils and piping that attract thieves. Install a bright motion-activated light near the unit or place a locked fence around it to deter theft.
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Pool pumps — Pool pumps are also resellable as scrap. Remove and store the pump while on vacation if possible; otherwise install motion-activated lighting and keep pool fences and gates locked at all times.
Protect your home by securing these seven soft targets and reviewing your coverage. For additional security-related considerations, see Home Health Care Security. If you have specific questions about replacing stolen items or policy limits, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a "soft target"?
Soft targets are items stored outside the home—like tools, bicycles, grills, and pool equipment—that are easier for thieves to steal than items kept indoors.
How can I deter thieves from stealing outdoor items?
Use locks on sheds and gates, install motion-activated lighting and cameras, secure equipment with heavy chains or locked enclosures, and keep valuables out of sight or stored indoors.
Will homeowners insurance cover items taken from outside my property?
Coverage varies by policy and limits; many policies cover theft but may have sub-limits for certain items, so check your policy details or ask your insurer for specifics.