High burglary risk increases need for contents insurance

26th January, 2006

The growing popularity of expensive electronic items and the simultaneous rise in burglary has increased the need for a good home contents insurance policy, according to one insurer.

More Than's research shows that 52 per cent of adults now own a digital camera, while 25 per cent own a video phone and ten per cent own an iPod, all of which are becoming popular targets for burglars.

There is now a growing tendency for thieves to steal small valuable items such as electronic gadgets, as well as credit cards, purses, handbags and wallets.

David Pitt, head of insurance at More Than, commented: 'Increased household security has made an impact on the opportunist thief as has the falling price of consumer goods like videos and DVD players.

'However we are seeing a general increase in valuable items in the home that are attractive to more organised thefts and we are very concerned at the link between burglary and identity theft.'

He urged householders to never leave their keys or valuable items on display when they go out, as well as to take out a good contents insurance policy.

It is estimated that £1 billion worth of items are stolen from UK homes every year, with households in Yorkshire, the north west, and the East Midlands particularly vulnerable.

 

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