Beach theft: Criminals stole an estimated £438million worth of unattended items last year in a crime wave on the coast

According to insurer Churchill, anyone who wants to enjoy the sun on the beach should beware of thieves. Last year, 2.7 million people lost a total of £438 million worth of belongings.

Churchill said a further 4.2 million people admitted losing personal belongings on the beach in 2023, equating to an additional loss of £457 million.

Since many people go to the beach during the summer holidays, it is important that you store your personal belongings safely.

However, for some Britons heading to the beach, this doesn’t seem to be a priority, with 1.4 million people leaving valuables unattended and out of sight.

People aged 18 to 34 are generally the least security conscious, with 6 percent admitting to leaving their valuables unattended, compared to just 2 percent of people over 55.

To protect themselves from theft on the beach, some beachgoers are now getting creative in finding ways to reduce the risk of theft or loss.

For half of people (48 percent), wrapping items in clothing or a towel is the most popular method, while 15 percent use secret hiding places, such as fake sunscreen bottles.

Another 12 percent even wrap their valuables in a diaper, a “trick” that has become hugely popular on social media this year.

While 9 percent admit to leaving things unattended, some Britons are said to trust strangers to look after their belongings on the beach, with 4 percent even asking lifeguards to look after them.

Some people are very safety conscious and rely on locations they consider ‘safe’ when visiting the beach.

A fifth simply leave valuables at home, 16 percent in the car and 6 percent in a safe.

More than a quarter make sure other group members look after their valuables when they are not around, and 6 percent even put their belongings in a waterproof bag so they can swim with them.

Sunglasses are one of the most common items lost or stolen on the beach. 1.6 million Britons claim to have lost a pair of sunglasses and 1.2 million believe they have been stolen.

Other items that are commonly lost or stolen include cell phones, house keys, and wallets.

One percent of Britons admit to losing their wedding or engagement ring on the beach.

When items were lost or stolen, almost half searched the area, 23 percent reported it to the police, 12 percent filed an insurance claim and a third said they had done nothing.

Maria Lawrence of Churchill said: ‘It is better to leave valuables at home, especially if you intend to go to and from sea.

‘But if you do want to take them to the beach, it is advisable not to leave them unattended.

‘If you do want to take your belongings outside your home, check to see if this is covered by your policy. However, they must be properly cared for to prevent loss and theft.’