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Crime

Handbag theft from vehicles 'costs £178 million'

24/11/2008

More than 400,000 women had their handbags stolen from cars in the last 12 months, new research claims.

Insurance company Diamond, who conducted the survey, claim that the value of the bags and their contents was around £178 million.

The average cost of a handbag and its contents is more than £431, which excludes the costs of replacing stolen car and house keys.

On average the bags are likely to cost around £50, with owners carrying about £50 in cash and sunglasses and mobile phones the most expensive items being carried, the research suggests.

Diamond managing director Sian Lewis is quoted by the Independent newspaper as saying: "It's shocking to see just how many handbags are stolen each year from cars, and that shows exactly why you should never leave your bag on display in your car.

"In the run-up to the festive season, thieves will be on the look-out for easy targets so, however stressed-out and rushed you are to find that perfect present, you should never leave anything on show in your unattended car that could attract a potential thief."