| Summertime sees a rise in the number of items stolen from parked cars as thieves take advantage of windows left open in the hot weather. Now insurance expert Admiral has produced a list of the top ten items most commonly stolen from cars, and issued a warning to motorists to keep their valuables locked away in the hot weather.
After the winter months, summer is the most common time of the year for theft claims. Every summer Admiral receives thousands of theft claims, most of these involve break-ins as people leave car windows open and expensive items on show.
Admiral’s list includes items you would expect to be popular with thieves, including CDs, and sunglasses, but it also includes some more unusual and expensive items such as jewellery and golf clubs.
| Top 10 items most commonly stolen from parked cars |
1st |
Compact discs |
2nd |
Sunglasses |
3rd |
Satellite navigation equipment |
4th |
Mobile phones |
5th |
Handbags |
6th |
Coats |
7th |
Golf clubs |
8th |
MP3 players |
9th |
Sports kits |
10th |
Jewellery |
(list does not include stereos, which are covered separately)
Sadly, many victims of car crime are left disappointed when they try to claim for their stolen items. Most insurers only provide cover up to £100 for personal effects, for items other than car stereos. Unfortunately many motorists still leave items worth much more lying around their car.
Admiral managing director, Sharon Clarke, said: “Most people think that car break-ins occur in the dark winter nights, and many do, but nearly as many happen in the summer. Car thieves are opportunist, and too many motorists present them with an opportunity by leaving valuable items on show, or even leaving their windows open.
“Like most insurers, we will only provide cover for up to £100 for personal effects. All too often our customers try to claim for things like Gucci sunglasses or Prada handbags worth several hundred pounds. It can be very upsetting when they find they are not covered.”
As well as the commonly stolen items people try to claim for, Admiral customers have also tried to claim for some more unusual items too. Among the 7,000 people tried to claim for from Admiral last year were:
- Cowboy boots
- Leather shorts
- Three sewing machines
- Fluffy dice
- An entire team’s football kits
- A library card
- Some sandwiches
- £10,000 in cash
Issue date: 17-07-06
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