A new poll of iPod users has revealed the surprising extent to which fear of crime affects people’s usage and enjoyment of the iconic MP3 player.

According to an online survey conducted by Macworld UK, large numbers have ditched their white Apple headphones for fear of drawing attention to their most-wanted machine.

In fact, the poll of 2,068 iPod users revealed that only 57 per cent actually wore their white iPod headphones.

The research also revealed that because of crime fears, 81 per cent of respondents said they never take their iPod outside their house.

Commenting on the poll, a Macworld website visitor said: “We shouldn’t get paranoid but we have to consider this: Showing off your iPod could be like walking around with a wad of bank notes, soon or later you may end up getting mugged.”

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