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Diamond Urges Women to Clutch Handbags Tight

By Steve Smith

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Published: 25Dec2008
Word count: 537
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Leaving handbags on display in the car is costing British women dear, new research from Diamond has indicated.

According to the specialist car insurer, more than 400,000 women have found their cars broken into by thieves targeting their handbags in the past 12 months, at an estimated cost of 178 million pounds a year. The group warned that crooks throughout the country are taking advantage of easy pickings as women fail to keep their handbags safe. Further figures from the group showed that the average womans handbag is worth some 431 pounds and 68 pence, with mobile phones, make up, sunglasses, diaries, notepads and purses all pushing the value up. As such, those who find themselves victim of a break-in over the coming months could find that replacing these items - in addition to replacing house and car keys - could have a substantial impact on their ability to cover other costs such as personal loan and mortgage repayments.

In an effort to avoid such a scenario, Diamond urged women to make sure that no items are left on display while their vehicle is unattended, regardless of whether they are valuable or not. The group explained that many thieves will break in to a vehicle simply to investigate whether such items are worth taking, something which could costs motorists dear in negating a no-claims bonus.

So too, the group urged motorists to make sure they are vigilant when it comes to keeping their car locked. Even if they are only popping into a garage, it advised people to ensure all windows and doors were locked, including the sunroof. Leaving the keys in the ignition was also strongly discouraged.

Other advice from the womens car insurance specialists included removing handbags from the car whenever possible and not simply stowing it away under the seat. It pointed out that thieves will be sure to search the car thoroughly if they do break in. Meanwhile, in circumstances where handbags cannot be taken out of the car, it urged women to make sure they stash them in a locked boot so it is out of sight.

"Its 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. Can you imagine losing your bank cards and mobile phone in the run up to Christmas when you need them the most?" asked Diamond managing director Sian Lewis.

For those who are looking for an effective way to purchase a new vehicle, taking out a car loan may be an effective way to do so, while leftover cash could be put towards additional deterrents such as steering wheel locks and immobilisers to reduce the likelihood of being targeted by criminals. Such purchases may be particularly prudent after figures from LV= showed that approximately a quarter of motorists have had their car broken into in recent months.

Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans. Our visitors can apply online for cheap car loans. We also specialise in secured loans, and consolidation loans.

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