Car owners vulnerable to theft

01 February 2012

Drivers frequently leave valuable belongings in their cars worth an incredible £1.6 billion, with sat navs and sunglasses high up on the list, according to a survey by Populus.

The research showed that car owners were leaving themselves vulnerable to thieves with over half (51%) frequently leaving valuable goods in their vehicles overnight often in plain sight.

The list of valuables left in vehicles by owners includes sunglasses (77%), clothes and shoes (28%), sat navs (20%) and mobile phones (6%).

Drivers also admitted to leaving iPods and MP3 players (5%) and over £20 worth in money (6%) in their cars.

Vehicle owners may be underestimating the worth of items left in their cars overnight.

The majority of drivers who left items in their car overnight estimated their value at an average of £85, but research by the British Crime Survey found valuables stolen from cars averaged almost £200.

The survey also showed that almost half (45%) of thieves gained entry to a car as the owner had left the door unlocked.

Always ensure you have good car insurance and breakdown cover so you are prepared for whatever may happen.

Copyright Press Association 2012