Scam in AustraliaTheft
House burglaries and other break-ins in Australia
How it works
Thieves enter a property and steal belongings. No specific entry trick is described.
Warning signs
- Valuables are visible from outside.
- Doors or windows are left unsecured.
How to avoid it
- Lock doors and windows when leaving.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Lock valuables away where possible.
If it happens to you
Stay outside if you think someone may still be inside. Contact police and your accommodation host or manager.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2021Broome tourist's $4k bill exposes common pitfalls of hire car insuranceA holidaymaker reports thieves entering his family's safari tent while they slept and stealing keys, valuables and approximately $1,000 cash.Read on News
- Travel blog2023Police warn tourists after spate of thefts from caravan parksDerby police and a caravan-park manager describe thieves entering unlocked caravans and tents overnight to steal guests' belongings and vehicle keys.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the house burglaries and other break-ins scam in Australia?
Thieves enter a property and steal belongings. No specific entry trick is described.
How can I spot it early?
Valuables are visible from outside. Doors or windows are left unsecured.
How do I avoid house burglaries and other break-ins in Australia?
Lock doors and windows when leaving. Keep valuables out of sight. Lock valuables away where possible.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay outside if you think someone may still be inside. Contact police and your accommodation host or manager.
Where in Australia does this happen?
Cairns has a problem with house burglaries. Break-ins are among the common crime types listed for Darwin. It has been reported in Cairns, Darwin.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Common. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Are there similar scams in Australia?
Yes: pickpocketing, car break-ins, theft of unattended belongings.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck