12 February 2024 , 11:27
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Insurance giant Aviva says there has been a 43% annual jump in high-value jewellery theft claims and is warning homeowners to lock up their valuable ahead of Valentine's Day.
Costly items such as luxury watches, bespoke jewellery, pricey bracelets and diamond rings are reportedly being targeted by criminals. The figures for theft were drawn from Aviva Private Clients' high-net-worth claims throughout 2022 and 2023.
The crimes reported involve people getting mugged for expensive timepieces, thieves snatching jewellery left in cars and break-ins at homes when the occupants were away on holiday. Residents were still within their home when robbers made their unwelcome entrance in some instances.
According to Aviva, crooks have even gone as far as smashing windows, disabling security alarms and tearing out safes that are filled with treasured gems. Rupert Damms, head of risk management north for Aviva, said: "Valentine's Day is the perfect time to surprise a loved one with precious jewels, but with jewellery theft on the rise across the UK, protecting yourself and your valuables has never been more important."
"With opportunistic thieves targeting people in public, it's crucial that individuals are sensible about when and where they wear expensive jewellery and think carefully about whether they want to have it on display. Inside the home, we urge people to make sure they lock their doors and windows, and ensure their security systems and safes are insurance approved, professionally installed, and that they are always used to store jewellery."
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"It can also be easy to underestimate the value of items, particularly if the cost to replace luxury goods rises. If the worst does happen, underinsurance of valuable items can be a problem for customers when they come to claim, so ensuring you have the right insurance cover and up-to-date valuations of jewellery is also critical for both peace of mind and protection of assets."
Here are Aviva's tips for keeping jewellery safe:
- Buy the right insurance. Ensuring your jewellery is properly insured against theft, loss and accidental damage will give you peace of mind that your jewellery is covered if the worst does happen.
- Regularly get your jewellery valued. This is important as underinsurance can be a problem when making a claim, especially with fluctuating prices of precious metals and gems.
- Be careful and watchful when wearing your bling. Thieves can strike anytime, anywhere. Avoid posting or tagging locations on social media as it can attract unwanted attention.
- Keep your jewellery safe. Don't leave pricey pieces in cars or out in the open at home.
- Regularly check your jewellery for any damage. Loose stones or worn settings could lead to lost or damaged items.
- Be selective about where you take your jewellery for repairs or cleaning. Choose jewellers known for their security and reliability.
- Stay updated about local crime trends. Be aware of any recent thefts in your area.
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