Appletising to thieves

• Nine out of the top 10 insurance theft claims are Apple iPhones
• The 10 most frequently claimed for items are all smartphones
• Theft of Apple products up almost a third between 2011 and 2013 
   

New analysis of insurance claims data1 by Direct Line Home Insurance Plus reveals that Apple gadgets are highly desirable targets for criminals, with the much coveted brand’s signature iPhone named as the number one most claimed for stolen item.  Apple iPhones occupy nine places in the top 10 of all insurance theft claims, with the Samsung Galaxy S smartphone taking the remaining place.  

With the new iPhone 6 launching with an upper price tag of £699 for the 128 GB model, rising to £789 for the iPhone 6 Plus handset, thieves will undoubtedly be attracted to these desirable and expensive items. It is predicted that the new products may drive further increases in the theft of Apple products, which have increased significantly over the last few years. Apple products accounted for approximately 12 per cent of all stolen items claimed for by policy holders in 2011, rising to almost one in five (18 per cent) of all claims so far this year.  Claims for Apple products increased by 31 per cent from 2011 to 2013.
 
Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line Home Insurance Plus, comments: “The fact consumers can’t get enough of Apple products makes them highly desirable for thieves.  The fear for victims of theft is that they are not only facing an expensive cost for replacement if they don’t have adequate insurance cover, but also the risk that thieves can access personal information such as passwords, photos and text messages.  Modern smartphones can cost as much as a second hand car, so walking around with the equivalent of £800 in your pocket without insurance that covers your personal possessions is a risky proposition.  

“We recommend those owning an Apple phone should download the ‘Find my iPhone’ App, which can help with rapid recovery of the item and allow owners to lock them remotely.  Our analysis reinforces that smartphones are prime targets for thieves, so it is important that people have their gadgets covered should they be stolen, damaged or lost.”

The top 10 most claimed for stolen items are all smartphones.  The size of the problem is staggering with approximately 250,000-300,000 phones2 reported stolen to the police each year, which is unlikley to be a true reflection the true scale of this crime.   With people often keeping these items clearly visible and unsecured in pockets and bags, unscrupulous pick pockets and criminals are stealing millions of pounds of merchandise a year.  
 
Direct Line advises those using their mobile phones in public to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as thieves are more likely to target those who look distracted or engrossed in conversation. It is also a good idea to use headphones or an earpiece in order to keep the phone safe inside a zipped/buttoned coat pocket or bag. If people do fall victim to this type of crime, they should report it to the police immediately and should not attempt to chase the criminal down.
 
Other measures to increase the likelihood of recovering stolen property include undertaking security marking – many police stations will offer this service free of charge, and to download apps that can assist with disabling and locating lost or stolen tablets and iPhones.
 
ENDS

Notes to editors

1 Direct Validation Services claims fulfilment data for Direct Line Group customers
2 http://www.nmpcu.police.uk/


For further information please contact:

Claire Foster 
Direct Line 
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
0165 183 1672

Charlotte Pascal
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Charlotte.pascal@citigatedr.co.uk 
0207 282 1021

Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com