Moreton Bay's home theft hotspots revealed

Home theft hotspots in the City of Moreton Bay last year have been revealed by new RACQ Insurance claim figures.

Based on claims frequency, the RACQ data shows Moreton Bay South 12th on 0.23 per cent with claims up from 46 in 2022 to 51 in 2023.

Top suburbs in the South by volume of claims, were in the 4503 postcode – which includes Dakabin, Griffin, Kallangur, Kurwongbah, Murrumba Downs, Whiteside.

Also in Moreton Bay South's top three were postcodes 4035 (suburbs include Albany Creek, Bridgeman Downs) and 4037 (Eatons Hill).

Moreton Bay North was 19th in Queensland with a claim frequency of 0.11 per cent and claims falling from 57 in 2022 to 33 in 2023.

The North's top suburbs, by volume of claims, were in 4510, including Beachmere, Bellmere, Caboolture, Donnybrook, Meldale, Moodlu, Rocksberg and Toorbul.

Postcodes 4019 (including Clontarf, Margate, Woody Point) and 4020 (Newport, Redcliffe, Scarborough) completed Moreton Bay North's top three.

Brisbane South topped the 2023 RACQ table with a claim frequency of 0.88 per cent and claims up from 177 to 208. Inner Brisbane was second, Townsville third.

"Frequency" was calculated using the number of RACQ home theft claims divided by the number of RACQ Home Insurance policies in each region.

RACQ says take extra precautions after $6.1m of property was stolen from homes last year - January-March being the busiest quarter with 1327 claims.

“RACQ Insurance has seen a five per cent increase in the total volume of home theft claims over the past year with some regions, like the Wide Bay, seeing double the amount of claims compared to the previous year,” RACQ Group Executive Insurance Trent Sayers said.

“We also saw a 35 per cent increase in the total cost of home theft claims in 2023 compared to the previous year and this is a result of increased claims volumes, higher value property being stolen and inflation.

“According to the data, more thefts occurred on weekdays than any other day of the week, with Monday being the most popular day for theft.”

Mr Sayers said there were simple precautions people could take to deter opportunistic theft.

“Remember the basics - lock doors and windows and don’t leave a spare key somewhere obvious, like under the doormat,” he said.

“If you can, invest in a security system, a timer for your lights or technology that allows you to control features in your home via your phone.

“If you’re heading away for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, mow your lawn and take bins in and out.

“While on holiday, consider posting your snaps on social media once you’ve returned, so you aren’t advertising your home is unprotected.”

Mr Sayers said if you have a break-in, contact police immediately to report the theft, then your insurer to check cover and lodge a claim.

“Don’t touch or move anything until the police have completed their inspection,” he said. “When safe to do so, take photos of damage to help the claim process.”