Households across the UK are being urged to review their home insurance and security measures after a major insurer revealed a significant spike in thefts of gold and jewellery during the month of January.
Dark Winter Nights See Surge in Valuable Thefts
Analysing five years of its own claims data, Allianz UK discovered that a striking 10% of all reported thefts for watches, jewellery, and luxury items like designer handbags happened in the first month of the year. The warning was issued on Thursday 08 January 2026.
The average claim value for these incidents stands at approximately £8,000, with one particularly high-value case exceeding £82,000. The insurer links this trend to the cover of dark winter nights, which provide more opportunity for burglaries, and to the recent surge in gold prices, which makes such items more attractive to thieves.
Protect Your Valuables: Steps to Take Now
Graham Wright, managing director of home insurance at Allianz UK, emphasised the dual risk. “Gold and jewellery items are tempting targets for thieves,” he said. “They often represent significant financial and sentimental value, and it’s important that homeowners take action to ensure their valuables remain safe.”
Allianz has issued clear advice for homeowners to mitigate the risk:
- Review your insurance cover: Ensure your policy limit accurately reflects the current value of your possessions to avoid underinsurance.
- Secure storage: Keep jewellery in a secure, discreet location, not in obvious places like bedroom drawers.
- Keep documentation: Hold on to professional valuations, receipts, and photographs of high-value items.
- Update your insurer: Inform them of any significant new additions to your collection, such as gifts received over Christmas.
The High Cost of Underinsurance
The insurer stressed that many people inadvertently underinsure their home contents. “It’s easy to underestimate what your home contents are worth and that can lead to underinsurance,” warned Wright. With gold often seen as a 'safe haven' asset during times of economic uncertainty, its rising market value means items purchased years ago may now be worth considerably more.
By taking proactive steps to secure valuables and ensure adequate insurance coverage, homeowners can protect themselves against both financial loss and the distress of losing items of great sentimental value.
