A car insurance survey of more than 3,000 drivers revealed that motorists are becoming less security aware and are leaving valuables in their car.

The insurer found that 73% of drivers left possessions such as handbags or mp3 players in their vehicles, in easy grasp of thieves, thus making their cars and vans a break-in target.

76% of motorists agreed that they "frequently" or "sometimes" worry about the risk of suffering a break-in, down from the 80% who said the same in 2008.

Managing director Sue Longthorn, from the group, said: “It's a worrying trend that more motorists are happy to leave expensive items on show in their cars. It only takes seconds for an opportunistic car thief to break a car window and grab what's inside. At this time of year, people will often leave their Christmas shopping on show on the back seat of their car.”