According to new research from the insurer, just under a third (32 per cent) of British holidaymakers are likely to take more than £500 worth of gadgets, including iPods, digital cameras, mobile phones and laptops, on holiday.

That adds up to an estimated 38.3 million British travellers simply waiting to have their expensive equipment stolen – and with almost one in ten (nine per cent) taking more than £1000 worth of gizmos, they could have a lot to lose.

“As the Direct Line research shows, holiday theft is on the increase as holidaymakers are becoming more and more reliant on gadgets such as mobiles and iPods and want to be able to use the technology whether at home or abroad,” said Chris Price, head of Direct Line Travel Insurance.

“However, while they’re spending a small fortune on these gadgets, many still don’t take out the necessary insurance cover to protect them while they’re away.”

More than a third of those who suffered gadget theft while abroad last year were not insured. As a result, 13 per cent of these had to pay out more than £200 on replacements.

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© DeHavilland Information Services plc