£308m of children's toys and care equipment stolen

In the last year callous thieves stole £308 million worth of toys and equipment from families with children under five years of age.

New research from Halifax Home Insurance reveals that nearly one in four families with children under five years-old had toys and care equipment, such as buggies, clothes and nappies stolen in the last year. With designer prams retailing for as much as £649.99 and some wendy houses costing over £400 parents often struggle to purchase replacements for their children.

Stolen children's bikes accounted for almost one in five (18%) of all thefts from families with children aged under five. Garden play equipment including paddling pools, swings and slides accounted for 16% of these thefts. Prams and buggies accounted for around one in 10 (8%) of these crimes, often leaving parents struggling to safely transport their child. Callous thieves showed they have no shame, as cuddly toys and stuffed animals accounted for 8% of all thefts.

Over a third (38%) of items were stolen from a garden or yard. Halifax Home Insurance is advising parents to lock away moveable garden toys and play equipment, such as paddling pools and trampolines where possible. If this is not feasible, ensuring gates are secured with durable locks and installing CCTV cameras and security lighting can help deter intruders.

Restaurants proved a fertile ground for unscrupulous thieves stealing children's toys and care equipment. One in ten (10%) of all thefts occurred while parents were enjoying a meal out in public. Increasingly diners and cafes provide safety locks under tables where parents can secure a bag to prevent it being stolen. However, buggies and prams are often left unattended and vulnerable in restaurant lobbies. Parents struggling with buggies and prams on trains and buses also need to keep a watchful eye for criminals, as around one in 10 (9%) thefts took place on public transport.

David Rochester, Head of Underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "It is shocking that we live in a society where thieves are even prepared to steal from children. Parents are often more concerned with negotiating public transport and crowded supermarkets when out in public than keeping a watchful eye for criminals."

"Parents can protect themselves from the financial costs of theft, if not the psychological impact, by investing in comprehensive home insurance cover. These policies can even cover the cost of replacing items taken from their garden or a public place. Parents with young children can ill afford additional expenditure to replace toys when faced with meeting the costs of nursery care, nappies and clothing."