RESEARCH from Compare the Market has revealed that break-ins and theft are the biggest concerns for people and their homes in 2024.

Over a third of respondents reported burglary as the top concern, while over a quarter stated that they had no concern for their home for the year ahead.

And despite the wild wet weather lashing the eastern states for the past month while bushfires rage on the western coast, concern for damages caused by these events is relatively low.

The research also found no difference in the top concern amongst the states, with robbery reigning as the top concern. South Australians (42.7%) were the most concerned about break-ins and theft, while Victorians (40.7%) weren’t too far behind on the same assessment.

In perhaps the most surprising find of the research, the second most common answer for all the states, bar Queensland residents, was that they had no concerns for their homes for the upcoming year.

Compare the Market’s executive general manager Adrian Taylor said that if people are concerned about being burgled, it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive.

“I always say being proactive is better than being reactive when it comes to protecting your home and belongings,” Mr Taylor said.

“There are some inexpensive security measures available, ranging from sensor lights and camera-integrated doorbells to ward off pesky porch pirates, to a full suite of security cameras and alarms around the house to scare off those who are willing to steal something bigger.”

His top tips to secure your home are lock windows and doors, consider installing extra security and review and your home and contents policy.