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Thefts at festivals up 39% last summer

Your Money
Written By:
Your Money
Posted:
Updated:
06/06/2013

Thefts at festivals rose 39% last year, with the biggest rise reported at Bestival, official crime statistics reveal.

Goods worth a total of £334,214 thefts were stolen from ten of the top festivals, including V and Reading.

Thefts at Bestival, which takes place on the Isle of Wight, were up 228% to 400 last year from 122 in 2011. It also had the highest total of items stolen adding up to £124,000.

Latitude in Suffolk also saw a big rise in thefts, up 207% from 28 to 86.

However, there was a reduction in thefts at the V festival in Chelmsford where the number dropped dramatically by 43% to 94. The V Festival in Staffordshire had a smaller drop in thefts of just 4% but the value of possessions stolen decreased by 55% to £9,800.

Richard Hiscocks, head of household claims at Aviva, said: “Festivals are a main event of the British summer, with music and merriment, come rain or shine. But with any large gathering there’s a risk of theft, especially when most of us will be carrying expensive electronics such as smartphones and cameras.

“There are a number of preventative measures that can help reduce the risk of being a target – toning down on flashy gadgets and keeping items in a zipped bag rather than a back pocket can deter would be thieves.

“While it looks as if some festival goers are following security advice, it’s clear people will continue to take expensive items to festivals. Additional personal belongings cover on your home insurance can give peace of mind that your items are covered against theft and damage if the worst happens while you’re enjoying the fun.”

Top tips to enjoy a worry free festival:

• Never leave valuables unattended in tents or in cars

• Consider what you really need to take. Can you share who takes what among your friends?

• Do you really need to take an expensive watch?

• Only take out as much cash as you need

• Separate cash from cards and only take one bank/credit card if you can

• Make sure pockets or handbags have zipped openings to prevent belongings being snatched

• Don’t flash the cash or the expensive hi-tech gadgets

• Keep belongings in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night

• Use the free lock-up areas provided by the festival organisers or ensure personal belongings are kept close and within sight

• Report anything lost or stolen to the police immediately and get a crime number that you can report to your insurance company


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