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The car insurance industry is being hit by extra customer claims - thanks to a spate of “Grinch-style” thefts.
This is the main finding of new data from car insurance provider the AA. The thefts occur when people go Christmas shopping and leave valuables and new purchases in their vehicle as they move from shop to shop.
Due in part to the “Grinches”, AA Insurance expects break-in claims from drivers to increase by ten percent over December and January - and the firm’s director Simon Douglas said that the rise in claims was already “noticeable” as the festive shopping season gets under way in earnest.
“We’re urging shoppers to be extra vigilant when doing last minute shopping to make sure they are not inviting thieves, for whom the season is about anything but goodwill,” he added. “By taking extra care about how and where you park and not leaving valuable items on display you can greatly reduce the risk of falling prey to Grinch-style thieves who will not hesitate to steal your Christmas.”
Detective sergeant Matt Jarman, of Thames Valley Police, added: “Drivers can find themselves easily distracted, especially if they are trying to manage young children as well as the shopping… On occasions, expensive losses can be the result of simple forgetfulness.”
Figures from the police show that, on average, items are stolen from cars every 13 seconds in the UK.
