40% of Brits have admitted to being parted with a valuable possession in the last five years, according to research by Direct Line home insurance.

25% of those surveyed saying that they have been separated from an item of jewellery, closely followed by wallets or purses (23%) and mobile phones (20%).

Londoners are more likely to lose something that rings, as 45% revealed that they had been parted from their mobile phone.

In addition, Direct Line said Londoners seem to be the biggest losers, with 64% of those in the Capital experiencing a loss or theft of their personal belongings, compared to only 23% of those in the East Midlands.

39% of those who experience a loss or theft having done so when out and about. However, the home does not fare much better and comes out in second place in the list of likely locations for a loss or theft of personal belongings to occur.

Once personal property has been lost or stolen, only 47% of people were reunited with their misplaced belongings.

Direct Line home insurance promises to fix what went wrong as swiftly and smoothly as possible and has recently changed its processes to have replacement items ready to be sent within eight hours, on a day and to an address of our customers choice, or the cash alternative.

Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line home insurance, said: “When it comes to loss or theft of personal belongings, it is very easy to believe that it won’t happen to you. However, this research reveals that it is much more likely than many may think.

“It is always worth searching for lost items, as an encouraging number find their way back to their owner and items like jewellery and smart phones may hold sentimental value that cannot be replaced. However, home insurance exists for the times when missing items don’t turn up.”