Losing a handbag 'can lead to identity theft'

By Marianne Straker, Thu 10 Jul 2008 - Published in Home Insurance

Women could be risking having their identities stolen by keeping too much personal information in their handbags, Sheilas' Wheels Home Insurance has warned.

Research by the insurer has revealed almost two-thirds of women keep at least one item in their handbag that could potentially be used to steal a person's identity.

Approximately one in four of those women questioned said they carried a cheque book with them, one in eight said they kept utility bills in their bags and seven per cent admitted to regularly having their passport with them.

Losing or having a handbag and its contents stolen costs an average of Ł290.

However, Sheilas' Wheels said, that as identity theft in Britain continues to rise, being separated from your handbag could prove even more expensive.

Spokesperson Jacky Brown said: "With the size of fashionable handbags on the up, it's crucial to only carry around the bare essentials and declutter regularly."

Earlier this week, Admiral released details of some of the more unusual items people reported missing after a car break-in, including celery, a cat flap and a six-foot Power Ranger costume.

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