Careless car owners help thieves cash in

Around 25 million car owners are making life easy for thieves by leaving £3.3 billion worth of valuables unattended in their cars, with many even leaving them on show.

New research by Post Office Car insurance found that CDs, stereos, mobiles and other valuables are being left unattended in vehicles. 12 per cent of drivers said they rarely or never attempt to cover or hide their goods in the car.

Clare Oldstein, Head of Communications for Post Office Car Insurance, said “Our advice to motorists is to only leave valuable items in the car if it’s absolutely necessary, and if they do, to make sure the items are hidden in the boot or at least out of sight of potential thieves. Drivers should also check that they are adequately insured for any valuable items left in the car in case the worst does happen.

“Finally, we ask drivers never to leave documents such as their vehicle registration or car insurance certificate in the car as they may find their car is stolen too.”

Car owners say they leave, on average, £134 worth of goods in their car, with nearly a fifth (18%) leaving goodies worth more than £200 or more. Some of the most common items left in cars include:

CDs (58 per cent)
Coats (54 per cent)
Shoes or boots (53 per cent)
Stereo (48 per cent)
Tool kit (41 per cent)
Change of clothes (37 per cent)
Gym/football kit (28 per cent)
Mobile (12 per cent)
Laptop/iPod/MP3 (5 per cent)

The research also revealed that bowling balls, air fresheners, window scrapers, electric shavers and even baby nappies have been stolen from motorists.

Post Office Car Insurance covers personal possessions left in the car for up to £100 and car stereo systems for up to £500.

Motorists can get £50 cash back when they take out a new policy with Post Office Car Insurance. To get a quote, drivers should visit postoffice.co.uk.