DON'T FALL PREY TO A HANDBAG THIEF

One in four women carry a designer bag leaving them at risk of losing £450+

One in ten UK women say they have taken action to prevent an opportunist thief from stealing a handbag, according to a new survey by Allianz Your Cover.

The survey revealed that the average value of a woman’s handbag is more than £450, thanks to designer labels, electronic devices, make-up and sunglasses. Worryingly, 24% of women report that they have either lost or had their handbag stolen, leaving them to face a significant outlay to replace the bag and its contents.

Andy James of Allianz Your Cover, said: “I would advise people to always be aware of their bags in a public place as opportunist thieves can strike anywhere from the tube to restaurants and even in supermarkets.”

The survey found that mobile phones are one of the most expensive items regularly carried in handbags, with 32% of women claiming their phones are worth more than £150.  14% of women said they also carry an electronic gadget such as a Kindle, Tablet or iPad, which can range from £80 and £600 in price.

One in five ladies carry a designer purse and one in four owns a designer handbag, with 13% claiming their bag cost them more than £100.

Other expensive items carried in bags are (average value shown in brackets):

• Music device (£112)
• Make-up bag  (£62)
• Sunglasses (£54)
• And not forgetting cash (£26)

Andy continues: “Many people will underestimate the value of goods they carry in their handbag but technology means we are carrying more expensive gadgets with us which are extremely costly to replace.”

Your Cover Insurance, Allianz UK's flexible insurance offering enables policy holders to purchase personal possessions cover which gives additional protection for items outside of the home.

For more information please visit: www.YourCoverInsurance.co.uk

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