The increasing number of iPods out on the street make easy pickings for late night muggers, but a simple add-on to an insurance package could reduce the costs of iPod theft.

The Home Office announced this week that the number of street crimes had gone up by 40 per cent in some regions of the UK.

But many people could easily cover themselves against theft by adding a supplement to their home contents insurance.

Commenting on a recent study into our love of the digital devices, David Pitt of More Than insurance said: “As this research highlights, there is a proliferation of small but high value gadgets not only in the home now, but also on our person as we go about our daily life.

“It is important to ensure you have enough insurance cover for these items both in the home and when you are carrying them about on your person.”

The Home Office said that spending by young people on consumer electronics was probably a major reason behind the rise in street crime.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd