Motorists across the UK are being issued an urgent warning to avoid a costly parking mistake this December that could ruin their festive season.
Christmas Presents a Prime Target for Thieves
Experts have highlighted that the run-up to Christmas is an extremely common time for car break-ins. Opportunistic criminals are actively on the lookout for vehicles containing shopping bags or wrapped gifts, knowing drivers may be transporting presents to family and friends.
Alicia Hempsted, a car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, emphasised the heightened risk: "No one wants the Christmas period spoiled by theft, but sadly this is a peak time of year for opportunistic criminals." She stressed that leaving items unattended in a vehicle, even briefly, can make drivers a target.
Insurance Warning and Essential Precautions
A critical point often overlooked by drivers is that standard car insurance policies usually do not cover personal items stolen from a vehicle. This includes Christmas gifts, meaning victims could face a double loss.
To protect themselves, drivers are advised to take several key precautions:
- Avoid leaving gifts in your car overnight, as thefts are more frequent after dark.
- When shopping, keep all purchases out of sight – the boot is the most secure place.
- Always try to park in a well-lit and secure area.
Hempsted added: "If you’re unsure whether your car insurance policy includes personal possessions cover, or you want to add it, visit to compare MoneySuperMarket policies."
Don't Let Theft Ruin Your Festive Season
The clear message to motorists is that it simply is not worth the risk to leave anything valuable in a parked car over the coming weeks. The convenience of storing presents in a vehicle is far outweighed by the potential financial and emotional cost of a break-in.
By taking presents directly inside and ensuring vehicles are left completely empty of temptations, drivers can significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to crime and ensure their Christmas remains merry.
