Home theft is evolving. Our Private Client team has seen a noticeable uptick in theft-related claims, from opportunistic crimes to increasingly coordinated, organised operations. Stats collected by the ONS Crime Survey reveal a 7.9% increase in domestic burglary recorded for England and Wales in the period between Dec 23 and Dec 24.

Properties are being targeted both when clients are away and, more worryingly, while they’re at home. In many cases, criminals are using online tools to research layouts, valuables, and vulnerabilities before they strike.

For brokers, this shift highlights the need for proactive conversations with your clients around risk, security, and the importance of understanding how their insurance policy responds. We’ve gathered key insights to help you speak to your clients about this specific risk.

What’s driving the rise in theft?

From economic pressure to digital exposure, several factors are influencing this rise in theft-related claims:

• Organised crime is becoming more sophisticated, often targeting high-net-worth homes through planned operations. One high-profile example being when footballer Jack Grealish fell victim to a raid on his home while he was playing for Manchester City in December 2023. His partner and family were home at the time, but were unharmed. The gang responsible have not been caught.
• Social media offers insight into when homes are unoccupied and what valuables are on display. 75% of convicted burglars have said social media and platforms like Google Street View play an important role in how they plan on breaking into a home.
• Clients at home may disable alarms, giving criminals greater confidence to attempt intrusions during the day.

Our claims data shows a particular increase in cases where alarms weren’t set, properties were listed for sale, or dressing rooms were left with high-value items visible.

What’s attractive to thieves and how are homes being targeted?

Modern theft isn’t always about breaking windows or forced entry. Today’s criminals often know exactly what they’re looking for and how to get in. There are common items that are targeted. Be sure to have conversations with your clients about protecting the following;

Thieves today are increasingly tech-savvy and strategic, often identifying potential targets using nothing more than information freely available online. Estate agent listings, for instance, frequently include high-resolution images of a property's interior, along with layout plans that give an unintentionally detailed guide to the home’s contents and structure. 

Social media also plays a significant role. Public posts that showcase luxury interiors, new purchases, or holiday plans can be a goldmine for criminals. When celebrities and high-net-worth individuals share details in real time, it creates a digital breadcrumb trail that criminals can easily follow.

A well-known and cautionary example is the 2016 Paris robbery of Kim Kardashian. Thieves reportedly tracked her movements via social media, knew she was travelling without her security at the time, and used that information to carry out a highly targeted theft. They stole millions of pounds’ worth of jewellery after gaining access to her private apartment. The case underscores how powerful and dangerous publicly shared information can be when combined with digital reconnaissance.

For your clients, the lesson is clear: publicly available information, even if shared with the best of intentions, can inadvertently provide a roadmap for criminals. It’s important to encourage discretion when it comes to online posts, as well as to be aware of what’s visible through property listings.

Understanding policies: what’s covered and when?

One of the most important areas for you to address with your clients is how their policy protects them in different theft scenarios. Many clients assume that their valuables are covered at all times, regardless of where or how they’re stored. However, this isn’t always the case. Most high-net-worth home insurance policies include specific conditions around items such as watches, jewellery, and other portable valuables. 

For instance, certain items may only be covered when kept inside a safe, a bank vault or when the item of jewellery is being worn. If your client wears a watch daily and removes it at night without placing it in a safe, there may be a gap in coverage. Similarly, theft from an unattended vehicle with visible handbags or jewellery may fall outside the policy terms of a standard policy if those items weren’t stored correctly. You should speak to your clients about storing any important documentation relating to their items separately from where the items themselves are kept, as this can aid in their recovery should the worst happen.

Your clients should also consider the adequacy and detail of the sum insured. With values of luxury watches and other collectables having risen sharply in recent years, many items could be underinsured. In the event of a theft, this could result in a significant shortfall between the item’s current market value and what the policy pays out. Ensuring valuations are both accurate and up to date is essential. For example, in one recent claim, a client’s stolen watch was successfully recovered through The Watch Register — the world’s largest database of lost and stolen timepieces.

The case underlined the importance of:

• Having an up to date valuation
• Keeping detailed records (receipts, serial numbers, verifiable documents, etc.)
• Registering high-value watches proactively
• Acting quickly post-theft to flag stolen assets
  
  

You can find out more about how we cover high-end watches here.

What you can do next

As the risk landscape evolves, you are in a unique position to help your clients take a more proactive approach to protecting their homes and valuables. The first step is encouraging clients to review and, if necessary, update their valuations. This is particularly important for items that may have appreciated in value, such as fine art, luxury watches, and jewellery. An outdated valuation not only affects replacement cost but could also delay or complicate a claim. 

It’s also vital to have an open discussion about the use of safes and the importance of proper storage. Even if clients believe their security systems are robust, failing to lock valuables away could invalidate their cover in the event of a theft. In many cases, it’s not about adding new protection but building habits around using the protection they already have.

Protecting homes even when occupied

A notable shift in recent theft claims is the growing number of incidents happening while clients or staff are at home. Criminals are becoming more confident, often taking advantage of deactivated alarms or predictable routines. This underlines the need for layered, actively used security, not just for when clients are away, but during everyday life. 

The most effective approach combines reliable systems with consistent habits. Even the best technology can fall short if not used properly. Alarm zones, for example, should be configured so that specific areas, like dressing rooms or safes, remain armed even when the rest of the home is occupied.

To help your clients reduce risk while at home, consider encouraging the following:

• Use alarm zones to keep high-value areas protected during the day
• Store valuables in a safe every evening and when not in use
• Keep interior doors to dressing rooms or storage areas locked
• Avoid leaving keys, watches or handbags near doors or visible windows
• Ensure staff are briefed on security protocols and alert to unfamiliar visitors
• Install visible deterrents like CCTV signage and motion-activated lights
• Review gate and intercom access systems for perimeter control
• Consider mobile patrols or on-site security for rural or larger properties
  
  

Why work with us?

Our Private Client team offer more than insurance products. We bring experience, insight, and a deep understanding of the high-net-worth sector. Our underwriters will work closely with you to build tailored cover that reflects not just the value of your client’s assets, but the specific risks they face in today’s environment.

From advice around how and when safes should be used, to insights on emerging trends in theft and organised crime, our aim is to be a trusted partner to brokers looking to offer an enhanced level of service to their clients. We also understand the importance of discretion and speed when a claim does arise, which is why our claims team is known for being responsive, transparent, and easy to deal with at every stage. 

The risks to high-net-worth homes and valuables are changing, but with the right advice and cover in place, they can be effectively managed. Discover how the Private Client team at Brit can support you and your clients through valuations, reviewing policy wordings, or providing guidance on secure storage.