Thieves in the UK are reported to be using metal detectors to find jewellery in houses they are robbing.
Research also revealed that houses being targeted are marked with stickers.
Burglars, encouraged by the “cash for gold” schemes, have increasingly turned to modern technology to speed up their search for gold jewellery. A larger number of people are falling victim to mobile phone snatching by bicycle-riding youths, according to Privilege Home Insurance.
Some seven million households suffered property crime in the year to March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
According to Privilege, burglars are using pre-addressed “cash for gold” envelopes so send stolen goods straight away, thus avoiding entering a shop to sell the items. A cheque for the value is sent directly to them.
Privilege warned about so-called “Apple Picking”, when thieves snatch mobile phones straight from people’s hands. As the criminals often ride on bikes, the theft can be over in a matter of seconds. The insurance company advised mobile phone users to be vigilant, as the thieves are more likely to target those who look distracted or engrossed in conversation.
Recently burglars have started using stickers advertising fake 24-hour locksmiths to mark houses for would-be break-ins. Privilege advised victims of the tactic to remove them immediately and take extra precautions with home security checks.
The insurer said garage theft remains a widespread problem, amounting to an average loss of goods worth a total of £973, with tools, bikes and garden furniture being the most commonly targeted items, according to Privilege.
