13 Items Burglars Target in Vacation Rentals Across the U.S.

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Vacation rentals are meant to be a home away from home, but they do tend to invite unwanted attention at times. Most burglars treat the properties as soft targets when left without occupants for several days or when adequate security is not available. Houses being let out to travelers become a treasure for opportunistic thieves.

Knowing exactly what they’re after can help homeowners and renters alike in safeguarding their property. So, let’s take a deeper look at some of the most popular items targeted in vacation rentals throughout the country.

Electronics

Laptops, tablets, and video game consoles top the list. These items are small, worth a lot, and easy to unload. Vacationers tend to leave them out in the open; thus, making it that much easier for burglars to snatch and run.

Cash and Credit Cards

Loose cash and credit cards left on the countertops or in drawers are pretty easy to stumble upon by burglars. A thief doesn’t need a lot of time to pocket a few hundred bucks or swipe a card. Travelers happen to be relaxed about keeping their money secure and such items turn out to be an easy score.

Jewelry

Rings, watches, and necklaces are lightweight, valuable, and virtually untraceable. If they’re sitting on a nightstand or bathroom counter, they could be snatched in the blink of an eye.

Cameras

Whether it’s a professional DSLR or a simple digital camera, burglars adore them. They’re expensive and always command a high price on resale markets. After a full day of touring a new city, many people tend to leave cameras out in plain view, making them one of the first things to be taken.

Luggage and Bags

Expensive suitcases, backpacks, and handbags attract a thief’s attention. Thieves know that these are capable of holding other values, and a high-end designer bag is a prize in its own right.

Designer Clothing and Shoes

Another target is very expensive fashion items. High-end brands are easily recognizable by any thief, especially if they remain hanging in closets or scattered around the rental.

Prescription Medications

Others head directly for the medicine cabinet in search of prescription drugs they can use or sell. It’s amazing how often such items are left unsecured in vacation rentals.

Small Appliances

Items like high-end coffee makers, portable speakers, or air fryers are attractive to burglars. These are easy to carry and often left in easily accessible kitchens or living areas.

Personal Information

Documents such as passports, IDs, and even travel itineraries are gold to identity thieves. Many burglars know they will bring in a very high price on the black market.

Artwork and Decor

Unique artwork, sculptures, or vintage decor also appeals to burglars. Many of these items may hold sentimental or monetary value that makes them attractive to sticky fingers.

Alcohol

High-end wines, spirits, and craft beers are tempting for burglars. Alcohol is easy to steal and can either be consumed or sold quickly.

Outdoor Gear

Bicycles, kayaks, and camping gear left outside the property are prime targets. Thieves know these items are valuable and often poorly secured.

Home Tech Devices

Smart speakers, security cameras, or thermostats are in rentals nowadays and on burglars’ lists. These small and expensive devices are relatively easy to flip for cash.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.