NCD News: Handbag theft from cars 4 x more likely than a street snatch

NCD News: Diamond and Churchill Car Insurance Report - 04.12.08

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Handbag theft from cars 4 x more likely than a street snatch: They say that behind every great man is a great woman and behind every great woman is a great handbag. With this in mind, it seems surprising that so many are being stolen from cars. A recent survey by female insurance specialist Diamond put the figure at over 400,000 - that's at an average cost to the owner of £438. This does not include the additional cost of replacing house keys, locks and car keys.

Women who treat their handbag as a mobile office also run the risk of identity fraud, by keeping confidential documents and utility bills in their handbags. It is estimated that £1.7 billion has been stolen by opportunistic fraudsters who capitalise on stolen ID from handbags. With things like that included, the total cost of handbag theft is thought to be nearer £4.9 billion.

In another survey on handbag theft, Churchill reported that the most common items of value in a handbag are sunglasses, MP3 players, mobile phones, cosmetics and money. It is estimated that for the average woman, the loss could take six days replacing bankcards, contacting mobile phone operators and replacing the bag itself.

We checked with insurers to see what level of cover is available.

◊ Diamond offers £300 extra cover to replace your handbag if stolen from your car.

◊ Sheilas' Wheels also offers £300 handbag cover as part of its comprehensive insurance policy, plus an additional £200 to cover belongings.

◊ Aviva only offers £150 general cover for personal belongings

◊ Elephant covers personal belongings up to £100.

None of the insurance companies we checked with offer cover for money, credit cards, stamps, tickets, vouchers, documents, share certificates or items carried as part of a trade or business.

A survey compiled by Warwickshire Police listed the top ten items stolen from cars as:

Satellite Navigation systems
Laptops
C.D's
Wallets, credit cards, purses and hand bags
Mobile phones
Clothing
Power tools
Car Stereos
Car number plates and catalytic converters
Cameras

According to the national crime statistics for 2007, handbag theft from cars outstrips "street snatch crimes" by nearly 5 to 1. While there is very little we can do to reduce the number of bag snatching incidents, the 400,000 reported thefts from cars could easily be cut by not leaving your hand bag on display and never leaving it unattended if you leave your car. If it is not possible to take it with you, then the bag should be locked away in the boot of the car - out of sight.

Of course, you know all this already, so why are so many bags still being stolen? Only you know the answer. †