Home insurance policyholders have been reminded to keep packaging out of sight if they have just bought a costly next-generation games console.
Last week, the Sony PlayStation 3 finally went on sale across the UK at a price of £425, pitting it against the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
However, Keith Lewis, spokesman at home insurance specialist Zurich Insurance, warned homeowners that the fact there is a limited initial stock of 200,000 could make them even more attractive to thieves planning to sell them on to other gamers.
As a result, he has urged owners to postpone throwing out the console packaging in order to avoid drawing the attention of opportunists and professional burglars.
"With bigger gaps between bin day, those empty boxes advertising your new PS3 could make your home a sitting target for vigilant thieves," he said.
"If you can, keep the box - you never know if you might need it."
Games consoles may be covered by the terms of a comprehensive home insurance policy.
However, homeowners are advised to check the small print to ensure there are no exemptions for certain high-value electronic items.




