Pensioners who keep their lives in their handbags are open to fraud, a leading charity said today.
The average handbag and contents value exceeds [pounds sterling]550 and only a small number of women have their bags insured.
led street lightingAge Concern in Lancashire recommends that women check their home insurance policy to make sure it covers their belongings when taken outside the home.
The research has also found that 27.8% of older women in the county have had their bag stolen at least once.
The majority admitted they keep the most crucial items in their bags, including cash, credit cards, driving licence and cheque books.
A survey found the led t5 tube cost of their handbags and contents tops [pounds sterling]550 each.
With street crime and mugging incidents in the country heading towards the 100,000 a year mark, the Age Concern charity is urging women to take extra precautions with their belongings.
And according to Home Office research, people aged 60 and over are less likely to become a victim of crime than those in other age groups.
Home Insurance cover is available from Age Concern, which includes access to a 24-hour helpline.
For further information on Age Concern's Home Insurance, visit Age Concern Lancashire or you can call 01257 233200.