Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

The one that got away - fishermen warned to protect their tackle!

22nd July 2008

The one that got away – fishermen warned to protect their tackle!

Fishermen are tackling tough times as thieves take the bait - reeling in 1000's of pounds worth of expensive kit.

As National Fishing Week casts off this week Swinton, the UK’s leading high street insurance retailer is warning its fisherman friends to protect themselves against a rising number of thefts and muggings.

The rising popularity of night fishing for carp and catfish has led to increased numbers of fishing enthusiasts camping in tents overnight in often isolated, secluded places. This has led to growing numbers of fishermen becoming victims of crime.

Swinton has seen a dramatic 17% increase in the number of fishing related claims on people’s home insurance policies, with theft being the most common.

A state of the art fishing road or pole can set an angler back between £100 and £2,000, and specimen and carp fishermen can pay anything up to £3,000 on reels, lines and nets.

Steve Chelton, Insurer Development Manager at Swinton said: “Fishing is the UK’s favourite participatory sport and is a hugely relaxing pastime. One of the greatest pleasures of fishing is the solitary element – spending time totally on your own, contemplating your own thoughts in complete peace and quiet. This unfortunately has caught the attention of thieves and people need to protect their tackle.

“As night fishing becomes increasingly popular we are advising anglers to wherever possible stick in groups and try not to fall asleep at the reel!”

Swinton recommends that fishing enthusiasts check their home insurance policy to see whether they’re covered for items outside the home. If not then policyholders may need to take out a personal possessions extension sometimes referred to as ‘all risks’. This will provide cover up to pre-determined limits eg £2,000 for any personal effects or sports equipment carried or being worn. For more info visit www.swinton.co.uk


Notes to Editors
For further info please contact Adele Mandy, Lucy Sinclair or Daniel Kennedy at Spinoza Kennedy Vesey PR on Tel: 0161 838 7770 or e-mail: adele.mandy@skvpr.co.uk

About Swinton
•With 470 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK’s largest high street insurance retailer
•Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and being part of the community
•Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance
•Swinton provides a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates