Posh underwear is top on thieves’ wishlists

As Brits splash out on their underwear in a bid to be less Bridget Jones and more Eva Herzigova, new research by MORE TH>N Home Insurance reveals that a new trend of burglary, coined ‘knicker-nicking', is on the rise.

In the UK's first research among reformed burglars, over a third (38%) of ex-thieves claim that clothes lines are now one of the primary targets during a break-in with designer pants just as likely to be swiped as jeans or t-shirts.

Experts are blaming the new trend on the popularity of premium lingerie ranges, fronted by ‘A' list celebrities such as Elle Macpherson, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Brook and David Beckham, which mean that Brits are paying up to £85 for a single pair of "posh panties".

Consumer research reveals that 64% of us are vulnerable to having our smalls snatched as we admit to regularly hanging our washing to dry completely out of view for long periods of time.

While clothes lines are the focus for thieves looking specifically to grab glamorous garments, the findings of the research also showed that, spookily, bedroom drawers are the place over a third (34%) of crooks will rifle through first in the hunt for valuable items.

MORE TH>N spokesperson, Annette Lepper, comments: "We are constantly being bombarded with images of ‘A' list celebrities in their luxurious undergarments, so it's no surprise that these items are becoming increasingly coveted by both consumers and thieves.

No one likes to think of an intruder rummaging through their belongings, so it's important to take all steps to limit this possibility and have comprehensive insurance cover in place in case the unfortunate does happen."

MORE TH>N Home Insurance recommends that homeowners undertake the following to protect both their clothes and other possessions in their home:

Install anti-theft devices such as burglar alarms and or CCTV;

Do not leave expensive items out on display, for example clothes easily accessible in the garden;

When away from home, cancel any milk deliveries and arrange for your post to be picked up;

Do not use social media to update friends/associates of your whereabouts;

Do not leave any packaging for expensive goods in the rubbish where it can easily be seen; and

Do not leave curtains or windows open overnight, or when away from home.

For more details of the MORE TH>N Home Insurance offerings, visit morethan.com/home.