Rich pickings for thieves who target £1,633 bags

THESE days handbags carry a lot more than just loose change, making them a more attractive target for thieves than many owners realise.

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The average handbag and its contents are now worth a staggering £1,633, claims information from insurer Aviva shows.

That's up a third from £1,217 just four years ago, which reflects both pricier bags and the high-value phones, jewellery and beauty products people now carry around.