£3,000 gadgets in a commuter’s bag

It is a far cry from the days when the most expensive item in your work bag was likely to be a book.

Today a survey has revealed that Londoners regularly take more than £3,000 of technology on their daily journeys.

The study of more than 1,000 commuters found they carry laptops, music players and portable games consoles. It even found an increasing number carrying more than one mobile phone.

The research, by insurance firm Esure, found more than 50 per cent of London commuters often carry a laptop, while 59 per cent have a music or video player.

Car radio faceplates, satnavs and portable DVD players were also common.

Recent figures showed a 25 per cent increase on last year in personal thefts.

"People are so used to technology that we forget it's actually very expensive," said Katherine Hannaford of T3 magazine.

"If you're carrying a work and a personal phone, a laptop and a satnav, it can really add up. People forget they really are a target for criminals."

Miss Hannaford advised people to use an older bag to avoid carrying their laptop in a conspicuous one.