Jewellery and cash are the most popular items stolen from homes

JEWELLERY, cash and sentimental objects are the most common items stolen from UK homes, according to an insurer.

Co-op Insurance analysed hundreds of thousands of home insurance claims going back to 2013 – and also commissioned research among 4,000 people across the UK.

It claims analysis found that since 2013, the average claim for items being stolen has increased by nearly one-third (30 per cent).

According to its latest figures, the average home insurance claim for theft comes to £1,500.

Meanwhile, its consumer survey findings show that jewellery tops the list as the most frequently stolen item followed by cash, with sentimental items in third place.

Laptops, tablets, televisions, mobile phones and alcohol were also on the top 10 list of items most commonly stolen.

Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch are urging people to be particularly vigilant over Christmas, as homes with poor security can be easy pickings for thieves during the festive period.

John Hayward-cripps, chief executive of

Neighbourhood Watch, said: “The research shows that many of the items burglars target are in fact items which people will be giving or receiving this Christmas.

“We’d encourage people to put extra measures in place to protect properties and belongings – disposing packaging boxes at the tip or installing some form of home security camera.”

Co-op Insurance automatically increases customers’ contents cover by 10% in the weeks before and after Christmas and New Year to allow for the extra gifts and valuables in the home.