A sharp rise in personal theft across parts of England and Wales has prompted warnings from insurers over the potential impact on personal possessions cover.
Specialist insurer SJL Insurance Services analysed figures from the Office for National Statistics, which showed a 5% year-on-year increase in theft from the person in the 12 months to December 2024. Several Metropolitan Police areas in London recorded some of the largest increases.
Waltham Forest topped the list with a 118% rise, followed by Hillingdon at 100% and Hounslow at 69%. Lewisham and Camden also reported increases of more than 60%, while Wandsworth, Lambeth, Harrow, Islington and Brent each saw rises of over 50%.
Beyond the capital, North Wales and East Riding of Yorkshire also recorded significant increases, each exceeding 50%.
The figures have raised concern among insurers as incidents of phone snatching, bag theft and pickpocketing continue to climb. These crimes typically target high-value items such as smartphones, wallets and designer accessories, which are often covered under home, travel or gadget insurance policies.
However, SJL warned that many policyholders may not be fully aware of the limits and conditions attached to their cover. In some cases, claims may be reduced or declined if insurers find that insufficient care was taken to secure belongings.
“These crimes are quick, quiet and often go unnoticed until it’s too late,” said Craig Morgan of SJL Insurance Services. “From an insurance perspective, the issue is whether the circumstances of the loss meet the policy terms, particularly when theft occurs in busy public spaces.”
Morgan explained that theft from the person is usually treated differently to burglary or robbery, with specific exclusions, excesses or requirements for evidence of force. He urged policyholders to check whether their policies include personal possessions cover away from home, and to understand the conditions attached to such cover.
He also noted that prevention plays a role in claims outcomes. Insurers typically expect reasonable care to be taken, which could include keeping bags zipped, avoiding use of back pockets and limiting phone use in crowded areas.
With incidents rising in several regions, insurers may begin to reassess risk profiles and adjust pricing for personal belongings cover, particularly in areas where theft from the person is becoming more frequent.
