The careless attitude of British motorists is leading to a massive increase in car crime. It takes just a few seconds to hide your gadgets in the glove compartment or boot, but many drivers fail to do this, leaving then on display and easy pickings for thieves. 40% of UK drivers are also unsure if their home or car insurance covers them for gadget theft or damage.

The research is supported by official police statistics which reflect a huge rise in gadget theft from cars.  According to the Metropolitan Police, the theft of sat navs from cars in London more than doubled between April 2006 and April 2007. 1.2 million thefts from vehicles were reported in 2005-6 and over 7% of vehicle-owning households experienced some type of vehicle-related theft. 

“Sat navs, MP3 players, mobile phones and digital cameras are a thief’s dream,” says Tina Shortle, Marketing Director of swiftcover.com. “They are easy to snatch, easy to conceal and because they are desirable items, easy to sell on. A thief could be in a car and away with a pocketful of expensive kit within seconds. It’s a bonanza for our light-fingered foes.”

It is vital that drivers take the time to check their vehicle and lock their gadgets away when leaving their car unattended. It is also important to check home and car insurance policies to find out whether or not cover is provided for this type of theft. If not, it is possible to take out additional cover.

To tackle the problem swiftcover.com has also introduced gadget cover. For £28.50 a year drivers can insure themselves against theft and damage to gadgets in vehicles and obtain a replacement if the item is stolen or accidentally damaged when in a car. Items covered include mobile phones, PDAs, satellite navigation systems, MP3 players, safety camera locators, portable games consoles, digital cameras, camcorders and portable DVD players.