'Table surfing' for your gadgets on the rise

While overall crime figures were down yesterday the latest Met police figures show an increase in personal thefts which they put down to a surge in ‘table surfing', where thieves target phones and other personal gadgets left on tables while people out and about socialising.

Commenting on this increase in thefts, Jonathan Cracknell, underwriting manager at Aviva said; "Whether out and about having a lazy lunch, travelling on a train or enjoying the nightlife in bars and clubs, people need to be aware that thieves are on the prowl looking for an easy opportunity to grab the latest gadgets.  It's easy to forget that you've left your phone on the table when buying drinks or chatting to friends, so make sure you always keep your valuables close to hand and don't take your eyes off them."

To protect your belongings outside of your home and anywhere in the world Aviva offers Personal Belongings cover which can be added to an Aviva home insurance policy.  It costs from around £27 a year for £2,000 worth of cover, including £500 for cash, and a single article limit of £2,000. (The overall limit can be increased to £10,000 and individual items can be specified on the policy if worth more than £2,000).