As children return to school, Abbey has raised concerns over the levels of ‘playground theft’ affecting pupils. Company research shows that 10- to 15-year-olds are more likely to be victims of theft than those in the 16 to 25 age bracket, and that 60 per cent of personal theft against 10- to 15-year-olds occurs while they are at school.

A recent Esure survey revealed that the average school bag for 11- to 16-year-olds was worth approximately £265. Items such as mobile phones and handheld games consoles were among the most targeted items.

This new research from Abbey has revealed that more than one in ten (13 per cent) of pupils had been the victim of at least one personal theft over a twelve-month period.

Head of insurance marketing at Abbey, Prasad Shastri, said: “The report suggests that the majority of school children who are victims of theft believe that it is just ‘something that happens’, which is encouraging for the emotional well-being of a child, but does not help alleviate the financial burden to the parents who can spend on average over £250 on hi-tech gadgets and the latest ‘must-have’ item.”

Parents should advise children to take sensible precautions such as leaving as expensive items at home as much as possible and using padlocks. However, Abbey suggests that parents should also make sure their home insurance policy covers children’s possessions so that, if a crime is committed, at least the monetary value of the item can be replaced.

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