Over the past 10 years, Christmas theft claims have moved from gaming kit to mobile tech, according to data from the UK’s leading insurer Aviva – and festive thieves are reaping the rewards from smaller but more expensive swag.
- 10 years ago game consoles topped the list of Xmas thefts, now it’s mobiles
- Burglaries rise on New Year’s Eve after thieves take a festive break
- Fire claims up 120% on Christmas Day and up 50% on New Year’s Eve
Over the past 10 years, Christmas theft claims have moved from gaming kit to mobile tech, according to data from the UK’s leading insurer Aviva – and festive thieves are reaping the rewards from smaller but more expensive swag.
Back in 2004, the Sony Playstation 2 was the most stolen item, alongside top accessories such as a duel shock controller and games such as Grand Theft Auto 3. Last year the list was dominated by iPhones and iPads, with more expensive mobile technology being the big Christmas gifts.*
Most Stolen Christmas Items*
| Position | 2004 | 2014 |
| 1 | Sony PS2 Console | Apple iPhone 5s 16GB |
| 2 | Sony PS2 Memory Card | Apple Macbook Pro 13" |
| 3 | Sony Duel Shock Controller | HP Kerropi Laptop |
| 4 | Grand Theft Auto 3 | Apple iPhone 5s 32GB |
| 5 | Shrek 2 DVD | Asus Notebook X551CA-SX130H |
| 6 | Finding Nemo Game | Apple Macbook Air |
| 7 | Harry Potter 3 Game | Apple iPad 16GB |
| 8 | Pirates of the Carribean Game | Apple iPhone 5c 8GB |
| 9 | Shrek the Story Continues Game | Apple iPad Air 16GB |
| 10 | Bridget Jones's Diary DVD | Apple iPad Air 16GB WiFi 7 Cellular |
And there’s expected to be even more pricy tech under the tree this Christmas as the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 top the list this year along with Macbooks and iPads.**
But festive revellers need to be careful as New Year’s thieves will be on the prowl looking to get themselves a post-Christmas sack of goodies. Aviva data shows that on New Year’s Eve household theft claims increase 8% compared to an average day as burglars end their festive break.***
Simon Warsop, Aviva’s Chief Underwriting Officer, said: “The past 10 years have seen a big change in the type and cost of presents given at Christmas. Expensive phones, tablets and laptops are now the must have items. But this kind of high value, small size tech is exactly what thieves are looking for.
“Thieves will take advantage of empty houses, party noise and fireworks as people celebrate late into the night on New Year’s Eve. So if you’re going out to party make sure that you leave lights on and secure all windows and doors including those on your garage and sheds. Otherwise those special Christmas presents may end up being a gift for someone else.”
Aviva claims data also reveals quirky festive facts:***
Festive Fires
Although burglars do tend to take Christmas Day off - household theft claims are 60% lower than average - there are other significant risks. Christmas Day is the worst day of the year for fire claims (up 120%) with more cooking, houses full of candles and overloaded sockets increasing the chances of the big day being ruined.
Simon Warsop continued: “With cookers working overtime, numerous candles and fairy lights all over the house, the risk of fire at Christmas increases dramatically. As well as enjoying the festivities, it’s also a time to take care and not take any fire risks. So make sure hobs are switched off, candles aren’t near decorations and sockets aren’t overloaded – otherwise Christmas could go up in smoke.”
But it’s not just Christmas Day that sees a surge in fire claims, there’s a 50% increase on New Year’s Eve which could be down to the number fireworks that are set off across the country. Also homeowners need to be wary of drunken revellers as malicious claims increase by 66%.
Christmas Car Claims
Christmas is a conflicting time for car claims. In the week leading up to Christmas Day car claims increase by 20% compared to other days in December as people rush around getting the last minute festive items. However, the days between Christmas and New Year have the lowest number of car accidents in the year.
And even car thieves take some time off over Christmas with the five safest days for motor theft from Christmas Day to 29th December.
Aviva’s tips to a safe and happy Christmas:
- Take care when cooking Christmas dinner – ovens will be working over-time and it’s easy to leave gas hobs on when the house is busy and noisy
- Check fairy lights, don’t over load sockets and switch them off when you’re out and when you go to bed.
- Don’t place the tree and decorations near candles or the fireplace
- Don’t make your home look like a shop window for burglars by leaving presents under the tree – try to keep them out of sight until the big day
- Ensure all gift packaging is as unidentifiable as possible when you throw it out. It’s easy to just dump new TV or iPod boxes in or near your outside bin, but it’s a beacon for opportunistic burglars
- Double-check the home security before you leave your home for a Christmas or New Year party. Ensure all doors, windows, sheds and garages are locked securely and spare keys aren’t on display or near to your front door.
- If you can, leave lights and the TV or radio on if you’re out and about over Christmas so burglars think you’re home
- Be neighbourly – keeping an eye out for suspicious behaviour and alerting the police if necessary is the right thing to do and could mean you prevent a miserable Christmas or New Year for your neighbour
Ends
Enquiries:
If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:
John Franklin : Aviva Press Office : 01603 680795 : john.s.franklin@aviva.com
* Aviva theft claims data December 2004 and December 2014
** Top 10 Gifts for 2015, predicted by Bevalued
Top Gifts for 2015
1 Apple iPhone 5s 16GB
2 Apple iPhone 6 16GB
3 Apple iPhone 6 64GB
4 Apple Macbook Pro 13” - MD101B/A
5 Apple iPhone 5s 32GB
6 Apple iPad Air 16GB
7 Samsung Smart 43” LED TV
8 Apple Macbook Pro 13 - MF839B/A
9 Lenovo B50-30 Laptop
10 Apple iPhone 5c 8GB
*** Aviva claims data 2005-2014
Notes to editors:
- Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 34* million customers, across 16 markets worldwide
- In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
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* Before the deduction of overlapping customers.