Technology tops list of theft concerns

South Australians are more worried about their laptop being stolen than thieves making off with family heirlooms a survey has found.

Half of South Aussies recently surveyed by the RAA said they were concerned about their laptop or computer being stolen, more so than sentimental items like jewellery and furniture.

“Forty years ago we would have had a hand-written telephone book by the phone and a box of photos in the cupboard, now all that goes onto laptops and tablets,” RAA senior manager Neil McLean said.

The survey also found credit card fraud and internet security are more of a worry than personal safety.

But among older residents, health and wellbeing is the priority.

The RAA believes that is why it has seen an increase in the number of personal alarms.

“What if they have a heart attack, or a stroke, or a fall,” Mr McLean said.

One in five of the people surveyed had been broken into in the past 10 years, but a quarter said they still slept with a window open at night most of the time.

One in four said they feel vulnerable catching public transport.

But when it comes to neighbourhood watch, only two in five said they would investigate if they heard a home security alarm.

And while smoke alarms are mandatory, the survey found 12 per cent of people do not comply with the law.