The cost of the commuter bag

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Gadget-loving commuters in London are carrying over £3,000 worth of technology to and from work according to new research out today - despite a 25 per cent increase in personal thefts compared with last year(2).

The capital’s commuters are packing as many as six gadgets into their bags and briefcases including costly music players, laptops, Smartphones and video games thanks to the growing appetite for on-demand technology. And with the hotly anticipated Amazon Kindle expected to fly off shelves in the lead up to Christmas, esure home insurance is urging workers to take extra care to protect their belongings from preying thieves.

The research revealed that as people continue to work harder and longer hours, more than half (54 per cent) of commuters lug company or personal laptops around with them and a further 23 per cent carry Blackberrys.

91 per cent of London commuters polled carry a mobile, typically costing around £100, and a sixth (16 per cent) are proud owners of Apple' latest must-have, the iPhone, which is valued at over £300. More than half (59 per cent) of the employees questioned take a digital music player to work at a cost of more than £100 and 18 per cent said they carry video consoles and games to the office. These have an average price tag of £200.

A further 11 per cent carry portable DVD players while four per cent of London commuters already own an e-reader costing around £200.

Furthermore, over a quarter (26 per cent) of commuters surveyed carry a sat nav with them, and 11 per cent carry a car radio face plate.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said: "Technological advances have made gadgets and gizmos significantly lighter and less cumbersome. As such, it is easy for commuters to carry high-tech devices that keep them connected and entertained while they’re on-the-go.

Whilst everyone can appreciate that gadgets are expensive, our findings show just how quickly these costs can add up – and with the Kindle transforming heavy tomes into light reads this could escalate even further. We would strongly advise the capital’s commuters to be aware of gadget-related crime and ensure they have sufficient insurance cover to replace anything that may get lost, stolen or broken."

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esure's press contacts:

For further information please contact the esure press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 or email esure@mischiefpr.com

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Notes to Editors:

  1. esure used the independent online research company FlyResearch who surveyed 1,000 Londoners aged 18 and over, between 23rd and 26th October 2009. Figure is based on current retail prices of the most common commuter gadgets according to the poll
  2. Home Office Statistical Bulletin: Crime in England and Wales

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK’s most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.