North west Tasmania’s 7310 postcode was the number one area for thefts last financial year for the region, according to the latest RACT Insurance claims data.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said the 7310 postcode covers the suburbs of Devonport, as well as the greater Devonport suburbs out to Forth and down to Moina.

“RACT Insurance data shows during the 2014/15 financial year, the 7310 postcode saw an increase of 22 per cent in theft related claims, accounting for 34 per cent of all theft claims in the north west of Tasmania,” said Mr Sayers.

“The 7310 postcode also saw a 67 per cent increase in contents claims last financial year.

“Coming in second in the top postcodes targeted by thieves in the north west was 7307 (Latrobe, Bakers Beach, Port Sorell, Harford, Hawley Beach, Moriarty, Northdown,

Wesley Vale, Thirlstane, Squeaking Point, Shearwater and Sassafras) which also recorded a 60 per cent increase in theft claims over the last financial year.

“Nearly 12 per cent of the total home theft claims recorded across Tasmania last financial year were recorded in the north west region.”
Mr Sayers said RACT Insurance figures show Tasmanians are leaving themselves vulnerable to burglaries and home invasions by not locking their doors when they are home.

“Tasmania Police’s corporate performance report, which was recently released, also showed home burglary offences in Tasmania increased over the past 12 months,” he said.

“Our research showed 55 per cent of people who live in regional Tasmania leave their house unlocked when at home, compared to 37 per cent of Hobart residents, and 23 per cent of Tasmanians didn’t fully lock their house when leaving for a short period of time, leaving them vulnerable to theft.

“It was encouraging however to see our research revealed 73 per cent of Tasmanians, including 86 per cent of retirees look after their neighbours’ homes, and vice versa, when going away on holiday, which is a great way to provide peace of mind that your property is safe while you’re away.”

Mr Sayers said there was a number of safety tips all home owners should consider before they leave their house, including making your home look occupied and locking up properly.

“If you are going away for an extended period of time, consider telling neighbours how long you are away for and don’t advertise the trip on social media,” he said.

“Thieves now use social media as a prime source of information about people’s lives, so it only stands to reason that a thief would use tools like Facebook to troll for targets, so make sure you don’t advertise you are on holiday and leaving your house vacant on social media.

“Leaving several lights on inside the house or arranging for a house-sitter are also good ways to dissuade any potential thieves.”
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers