Wealth Of Average Brit Means Easy Target For Muggers

Posted by admin

September 30, 2008

According to Zurich Insurance the ‘walking wealth’ of the UK has reached a massive £44 billion making Britons an easy, and lucrative, target for muggers. In its “Walking Wealth Survey” Zurich shows that the average Brit will carry around £972 worth of personal items every time they go out in public.

This is an increase of 14%, or a rise from £851 to £972, since 2006. As the UK becomes more and more a culture of wanting the latest gadgets or fashion, it means we’re stepping outside with expensive goods like ipods, the latest mobile phones, blackberries, designer handbags and clothing, and so on.

Women are considered to carry around higher value items with an average value of £1,032 whilst men come in almost £200 less at £828. Believe it or not, It’s the Scots who carry the highest valued items with an average of £1,027 as opposed to their counterparts in the south of England who carry fashionable goods valued at around £916.

Mike Quinton, managing director for Direct & Partnerships at Zurich said, “The majority of people in the UK are not aware of the real value of the belongings they carry on them. We all need to be vigilant and make sure we’re discreet with these expensive items to avoid being targeted by muggers, especially during the summer when people often become complacent while relaxing in parks or on the beach with friends and family.”

Top tips from Zurich insurance to keep your personal items safe:

Avoid wearing flashy jewellery on public transport or in badly-lit streets or cover it up to avoid tempting muggers
Keep mobile phone usage discreet
Keep music gadgets well hidden – don’t take them out of your bag
Make sure that you have personal possessions cover covering the items you have on a daily basis
Limit the amount of cash you carry on you, when going out
Consider carrying just one payment card on you rather than both debit and credit cards and additional store cards

Share and Enjoy: