Overview
Burglar events are random occurrences where an NPC breaks into a Zoi's home to steal belongings. The system was introduced in the v0.4.0 update (October 2025) as part of expanded gameplay events. Burglaries add unpredictability to home life and connect to the insurance, crime, and security systems. While being burglarized is stressful for your household, preparation through security equipment and insurance coverage can minimize the damage.
How Break-Ins Work
Burglaries occur randomly, typically during nighttime hours when Zois are asleep or away from home. An NPC burglar enters the property and attempts to steal items. The player receives a notification when a break-in is detected, either from a Zoi waking up, returning home, or through an alarm system.
The burglar targets valuable items and cash. Players have reported burglars stealing Meow directly (up to 2,000 Meow in a single break-in), along with expensive furniture, electronics, phones, and jewelry. The burglar focuses on high-value objects that are easily accessible, so items left in open areas of the home are more vulnerable than those placed in secured rooms.
What Gets Stolen
Target | Details |
|---|---|
Cash (Meow) | Direct theft from household funds; reported amounts up to 2,000 Meow |
Electronics | Computers, TVs, gaming equipment, phones |
Jewelry | Jewels and accessories |
Expensive furniture | High-value decorative or functional items |
Stolen items are permanently removed from the home inventory unless recovered by police or compensated through insurance.
Zoi Reactions
If a Zoi is home when the burglary occurs, their reaction depends on their personality traits:
Personality | Reaction |
|---|---|
Brave / Confident | May confront the burglar and attempt to chase them away |
Timid / Anxious | Hides and calls for help |
Oblivious household members | Other Zois in the household who are not directly targeted may not react at all |
Only the Zoi directly targeted by the burglar has an active reaction. Other household members may remain unaware of the break-in even if the burglar is nearby. This has been a point of community feedback, with players noting that household members can be completely oblivious to a burglar tiptoeing through the house right beside them.
Prevention
Several measures can reduce the chance or impact of burglaries:
Security Equipment
Security items can be purchased and placed on your property through Build Mode:
Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
Security cameras | Surveillance cameras installed on the property deter burglars and may help police identify the thief after a break-in |
Alarm system | Triggers an alert when an intruder is detected, waking sleeping Zois and notifying the household |
Safe | Secures valuables inside a locked container, making them harder for burglars to steal |
Behavioral Prevention
Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
Being home | Burglaries are less likely to occur when Zois are present and awake in the house. The burglar AI avoids occupied homes when possible. |
Neighbor relationships | Zois with strong relationships with neighbors may receive warnings about suspicious activity in the area. |
Securing valuables | Use safes for jewelry and cash. Keep expensive items in interior rooms rather than near entry points. |
Exterior lighting | Well-lit exteriors may discourage break-in attempts. |
Insurance Protection
The insurance system in inZOI lets Zois protect their property against losses. Insurance policies are purchased through the Insurance app on your Zoi's Smartphone or computer. There are three types of insurance available:
Insurance Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Property Insurance | Covers damages and losses to home and belongings (broken appliances, fire damage, theft) | Covers per-claim amount; premiums vary |
Covers damage from heatwaves, heavy rain, and dust storms | Pays 1,500 Meow per qualifying event | |
Death Insurance | Pays household 10,000 Meow when a Zoi dies | Costs 100 Meow every 3 days |
Property Insurance is the most relevant policy for burglary protection. It covers the value of stolen or damaged items up to the claim amount specified by your policy. Investing in Property Insurance before a break-in ensures that losses can be partially or fully reimbursed. All policies apply to the entire household, not individual Zois.
Police Response
If the burglar is detected (through alarms, a Zoi witnessing the crime, or security cameras), police may respond to the scene. If the burglar is caught by police, stolen items may be recovered and returned to your household. However, the police response is not guaranteed, and the burglar may escape before officers arrive.
The crime system also works from the burglar's perspective. NPCs with criminal traits and high Crime Skill are more likely to attempt burglaries, and their success rate increases as their skills improve. The Wanted Status system means burglars who are identified face consequences for up to one day after the crime.
Consequences
Being burglarized has several lasting effects on the household:
Consequence | Details |
|---|---|
Lost items | Stolen items are permanently removed from the home inventory unless recovered by police or reimbursed by insurance. |
Emotional impact | Affected Zois experience negative emotions including Worried, Annoyed, and Uncomfortable. These mood effects can last for several in-game hours. |
Security urges | The event may trigger urges in your Zoi, such as a desire to install better locks, purchase security equipment, or buy insurance. |
Financial loss | Without insurance, the full cost of stolen items comes out of the household budget. Expensive electronics and jewelry can represent significant financial setbacks. |
Relationship effects | The stress of a burglary can strain household relationships if multiple Zois are affected by the negative emotions. |
Tips
Buy Property Insurance early. The premium cost is small compared to the potential loss from a break-in.
Install at least one security camera and an alarm system. These deter burglars and improve the chance of police catching the thief.
Use a safe for high-value items like jewelry and cash reserves.
Make sure your Zoi is home during nighttime hours when burglaries are most common. If both household members work night shifts, consider changing one Zoi's schedule.
After a burglary, check your Zois' emotional states and address negative moods promptly to prevent cascading effects on other needs.