20 million Brits have been parted with a valuable possession in last five years

It seems that the loss or theft of personal property is not uncommon, with 20 million (40 per cent) Brits admitting to being parted with a valuable possession in the last five years, according to research by Direct Line home insurance.

When it comes to the items that we misplace or have stolen, it seems that bling is king, with a quarter (25 per cent) of those surveyed saying that they have been separated from an item of jewellery, closely followed by wallets or purses (23 per cent) and mobile phones (20 per cent). Londoners are more likely to lose something that rings, rather than blings, as 45 per cent revealed that they had been parted from their mobile phone.

Londoners seem to be the biggest losers, with almost two thirds (64 per cent) of those in the Capital experiencing a loss or theft of their personal belongings, compared to only 23 per cent of those in the East Midlands. 

It seems the streets really are mean, with almost two fifths (39 per cent) of those who experience a loss or theft having done so when out and about. However, the home does not fare much better and comes out in second place in the list of likely locations for a loss or theft of personal belongings to occur.

Once personal property has been lost or stolen, the odds are that it has gone for good, as less than half (47 per cent) of people were reunited with their misplaced belongings.

Direct Line’s tips to look after personal possessions:

Take steps to reduce the chances of a loss or theft occurring in the first place, by keeping valuables locked or hidden away.

Be vigilant when out and about, keeping a close eye on your bag/pockets and being particularly careful when talking on your mobile in public

Take out comprehensive home insurance which includes cover for personal possessions away from the home to cover you in case the worst does happen

Direct Line home insurance promises to fix what went wrong as swiftly and smoothly as possible and has recently changed its processes to have replacement items ready to be sent within eight hours, on a day and to an address of our customers choice, or the cash alternative.

Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line home insurance said: “When it comes to loss or theft of personal belongings, it is very easy to believe that it won’t happen to you. However, this research reveals that it is much more likely than many may think.”

Lomas continues: “It is always worth searching for lost items, as an encouraging number find their way back to their owner and items like jewellery and smart phones may hold sentimental value that cannot be replaced. However, home insurance exists for the times when missing items don’t turn up.”