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Burglars move quickly. Because they tend to spend as little as ten minutes inside a home or business, several big-ticket items tend to fall prey to thieves. While some items on our list come to mind instantly, some may be more subtle. Outside of installing a security system, taking extra steps to secure your items could be a game-changer for the security of your home or business. Whether they’re breaking into a house or an office, burglars commonly target these items the most.

Cash

This one is obvious. Businesses that deal heavily in cash, like retailers, gas stations, bars, restaurants, and clubs, are prime targets for burglars. Money is easy to take, almost impossible to trace, and doesn’t need to be resold to offer value, making it extremely difficult to find and prosecute a perpetrator. You should avoid keeping copious amounts of cash inside your home or business if possible. If you hold a large amount of money, consider storing it in a safe that is difficult to break into or remove from where it’s stored.

Electronics

Because of the increased costs associated with technology, burglars will often target newer electronics. The resale values for both electronic devices and their parts are high. Furthermore, if you’re dealing with tech-savvy thieves, they could gain access to your sensitive data and personal information stored on such devices, which could cause even more significant issues. Ensure you register and record product serial numbers, use complex passwords for your devices and accounts, and follow all security measures suggested for your particular devices.

Prescription drugs

Prescription medications are very popular with burglars, especially ones that sell well or have a high street value. Many generally prescribed drugs are highly profitable with illegal drug dealers. Certain medications are also commonly stolen by people suffering from addiction. Because these types of thieves typically steal out of desperation, they can be more dangerous than a typical burglar. If you have prescription drugs, store them securely and dispose of them if expired.

Jewelry

Just as they are depicted in film and television, thieves often want jewelry. It is relatively easy to steal and carry and has a high value at the pawn shop. Some stores even specialize in selling gold, silver, and precious gems, so thieves have options for resale. If your jewelry has a serial number or other identifying feature, ensure this information is documented if you need to file a report of missing items.

Firearms

Thieves commonly steal guns and ammunition if they can find them in your home or business. Due to firearms being expensive and sometimes difficult to get, they can be a huge target. They carry a very high price tag on the black market, and the demand far outweighs the supply. Securing firearms and ammunition properly in a gun safe might sound over the top, especially if you own a few personal firearms in your home. Still, it proves highly effective at deterring gun thieves. Businesses that sell guns should take every precaution to secure firearms, bullets, and other accessories.

Tools

Power tools might not be one of the items you’d expect to find on our list, but they commonly go missing during burglaries. Even decently valued and easily moved kitchen appliances fall victim to burglars. Tools and appliances like power drills, high-end blenders, stand mixers, and more are quickly resold and virtually impossible to trace, making them worth a burglar’s time.

While this list is certainly not comprehensive, it sheds light on some of the most commonly stolen items that home and business owners deal with today. Even if you take every precaution, you could still become the victim of a break-in. A custom, professionally installed security system from FSS Technologies could be the solution to ward off potential thieves and prevent expensive, irreplaceable belongings and products from being stolen. Whether you add video alarm verification, an access control system, or other security element, our team of experts can help you determine the right solution for your needs. Contact us today to start protecting your home or business.