Crooks Targeting People Not Homes

Home insurance companies are warning that the targets of petty theft are changing as thieves no longer have to nab a stereo or TV to make crime pay.

Instead, the growing numbers of high cost portable electronic devices in the nation's pockets are becoming the main objects of crooks attention, say home insurance firms.

The warning comes as Home Office figures show both a decline in the number of burglaries and an increase in the number of muggings - up in some areas by 40 per cent over the last year. although overall crime seems to be decreasing there are specific areas relating to person crime which are increasing.

This may be unsurprising in the light of home insurance research showing that the average 16-24-year-old now owns over £5,300 worth of gadgets, much of it designed to be carried in pockets or otherwise on our person.

Nearly half of the under-24s surveyed said that they buy the latest gadgets as soon as they can, with 68 per cent owning a digital camera and 22 per cent owning an iPod. Apparently, in London, 48 per cent own expensive video phones, 24 per cent own plasma TVs and 39 per cent own iPods.

"As this research highlights, there is a proliferation of small but high value gadgets not only in the home now, but also on our person as we go about our daily life," said a home insurance spokesman.

"It is important to ensure you have enough insurance cover for these items both in the home and when you are carrying them about on your person."

The government has been taking measures to crack down on burglary:

•    Intensified police operations around the country to turn the tables on repeat burglars.
•    Free advice given out in a pack – this is for people who are concerned about becoming victims of burglary. It may include discount vouchers for home security products from some high street hardware stores.
•    A fund to pay for local handy-people to visit those who are less likely to have good home security.
•    Advice from insurers on what home security measures householders can install to get the best deal on their policy.

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