Weirdest Items Stolen In The UK: From Windscreen Wipers To Urine Samples
- Data reveals that theft and burglary remain some of the most common crimes
- A survey of LatestDeals.co.uk members reveals the weirdest items people have had stolen, from windscreen wipers to a urine sample
- Personal finance expert Tom Church reveals his tips on securing homes against burglary and where to find the best contents insurance deals
Data gathered during the pandemic shows that worry about crime has remained unchanged since the coronavirus outbreak, and statistics from the Met Police show that theft and burglary remain in the top five most common crimes.
What’s more, a survey of the money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk shows that thieves don’t just go for the most-expected items such as money or electronics.
Hundreds of members revealed the weirdest things they’ve had stolen, and some of the replies are downright strange.
One member said: ‘Someone took my metal mop bucket from my garden... left the mop,’ while another revealed that: ‘Someone stole my bin bag, full of my child’s nappies at the time. Eww.’
Some people had stories to tell, with a user revealing: ‘Someone stole my recycling bin a few years ago. Set it on fire. Problem was I’d just sorted out old Christmas deccies. Tinsel, baubles etc. It went up like a Roman candle. The little thieves were without eyebrows.’
Similarly, another said: ‘Someone took our old microwave we were taking to the tip. Hope they‘re not using it as it was outside because it went on fire.’
Another was betrayed by her neighbours: ‘Yeah a duvet set and matching curtains [were stolen from me], I only noticed when I went into my next door neighbours house...she said her son had found it lol.’
Some thieves will clearly go to any length to get their hands on some cash: ‘I had a winning £2 scratch card taken out of my car. It cost me £50 to get the window fixed that someone smashed to get it.’
Another member raised eyebrows when she commented: ‘A urine sample [was] stolen from my handbag when I was pregnant.’
Some managed to find the funny side to their tales: ‘My brother... his windscreen wipers.... he didn’t realise until I was in his car with him and it started to rain, he went to put the wipers on and just 2 little tiny sticks without wipers pitifully moved across the screen, I laughed so hard, so glad I was there.’
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, reveals his top tips for preventing valuables from home robbery: ‘Unfortunately, theft can happen anywhere, so it’s important to keep high-value items out of sight where possible.
‘If you have to leave an expensive item such as a laptop or phone in your car, make sure it’s out of sight - one option is putting it under your seat.
‘Investing in a security camera has helped with my peace of mind, and I’d recommend everyone does the same. Having footage of any potential burglars will be an invaluable tool for police and could be the difference between whether they’re caught or not.
‘Whenever you go out, leave a light on in the front room so it looks like someone is home - this will put off burglars from trying to break in. It’s also a good idea to check all outside doors and windows are locked before you leave the house or go to sleep.
‘If you’re concerned about the quality of the locks on your doors and windows, consider investing in an upgrade. You’ll be glad you did if you’re unfortunate enough to experience an attempted robbery.
‘While you’re checking out the locks, why not do a security audit on your house? For example, pushbutton locks can be easy for burglars to break into, so swap them out for deadbolt locks. If you have sliding glass doors, look into getting special locks to make them more secure.
‘Finally, if you are going away, don’t share your plans publicly on social media. Potential burglars operate online as well as offline.’
With theft remaining an ever-present concern, increasing numbers of people are considering contents insurance. Tom reveals his tips for finding the best deals: ‘Don’t just go for the first company you see online as they may not be the best value for money.
‘Consider what exactly you want to insure - do you need a combined home and contents insurance policy? What you have already may be sufficient. It’s always good to check what exactly your existing coverage may cover, so you can fill in any gaps.
‘If you’re renting, your possessions will not typically be covered by your landlord’s insurance policies. Check over your contract to see what insurance you may need to get, and shop around until you find the best value for money.
‘GetSafe begins from just £2.71 a month, while Urban Jungle is designed for renters and starts at £5 a month.’
Save More With These Discount Codes