Nearly a million revellers have had personal items stolen while listening to their favourite bands at festivals around the country, according to new research.

Financial services firm Zurich has suggested that almost one in ten people who have visited UK festivals have had their belongings stolen. Commenting on the statistics, the group indicated that the cost of theft can become quite substantial, with the average tent said to house possessions worth more than 260 pounds. Common valuables kept inside tents included mobile phones - which 82 per cent of those interviewed took with them - and cameras, which 63 per cent of people packed. Meanwhile, for 16 per cent of consumers iPods and other mp3 players were essential items.

Zurich suggested that despite the elevated risk of sharing personal space with hundreds of thousands of strangers, three-quarters (75 per cent) of people said they had given no thought to how safe their belongings were and had not taken out any sort of insurance policy to provide cover in the event of theft or damage. The firm noted that first-timers at such events may be particularly vulnerable to theft due to their inexperience of keeping belongings safe. As many as 500,000 people planning to attend a festival this summer had never been before, a contingent which accounted for around six per cent of all festival-goers.

For those who have failed to take out a policy, it is possible that the costs of replacing expensive items will have to be met with savings or personal loans.

Mike Quinton, managing director for direct & partnerships at Zurich said: “One in four British adults said they were planning on attending a festival this summer and it would be all too easy to get swept up in the summer spirit and forget to take even the simplest of precautions with their belongings. Our research shows that many music lovers are taking unnecessary risks by storing expensive goods in tents, carrying pricey items on them and failing to consider protecting themselves from theft. We urge all festival-goers this summer to plan ahead, only take what they need to as well as checking their cover before they go.”

In an effort to reduce the risk of items being pinched, Zurich urged consumers to use security lock-ups for valuable items and passports, which are often available for 24-hour periods. Furthermore, revellers were urged to refrain from padlocking their tents as this was said to simply advertise the fact that valuables were stored inside. To limit the impact of theft, people were also urged not to take any items that they felt they could not afford to lose. Taking out additional cover for expensive items was also identified as a top priority. For those unfortunate to have items stolen, Zurich reminded people of the need to report the theft to police in order to obtain a crime reference number for insurance purposes.

Failing to do so may result in consumers being forced to purchase new items using personal loans or money from their own pockets. Taking out adequate cover may also be of use to those who make their own music after Halifax earlier this year reminded musicians of the need to make sure that their own instruments were adequately protected against loss, damage and theft.

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