In England and Wales, a vehicle is stolen every five minutes, according to new data. Between January and September 2024, 72,888 vehicles were reported stolen, based on figures from 39 out of 43 police forces that responded to a Co-op Insurance Freedom of Information request.
London leads the way with over 20,000 reported thefts, followed by the West Midlands with more than 11,000. Yorkshire and the Humber has nearly 8,000 vehicle thefts, while the North West, despite a larger population, reports fewer thefts than both the West Midlands and Yorkshire. Wales, specifically South Wales and Gwent, has seen just over 2,500 stolen vehicles.
The areas with the highest theft rates include Croydon in London, Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, and Doncaster in Yorkshire. Co-op Insurance highlights that vehicle theft claims have reached up to £45,000, with the average claim exceeding £7,000. Without proper insurance, victims face a hefty financial blow.
Here are some tips to prevent theft:
- Always Lock Your Car Ensure the vehicle is locked by checking for the lock sound, lights flashing, and, if applicable, the automatic wing mirrors folding.
- Don't Leave the Engine Running to Defrost It’s tempting to leave the engine running while defrosting your car, but it’s both illegal and a major security risk.
- Hide Valuables Remove valuables from your car to avoid attracting thieves.
- Install Security Features Fit your car with a certified alarm, immobiliser, and tracking system to deter thieves.
- Use Mechanical Security Steering wheel locks and gear clamps might seem old-fashioned, but they’re excellent deterrents.
- Use Cameras and CCTV Doorbell cameras and CCTV systems are effective for deterring thieves and catching them in the act.
- Use Your Garage If you have a garage, park your car in it. If not, park your vehicle strategically on your driveway to make it harder for thieves to steal.
- Park Smartly at Night When parking overnight, use your driveway wisely. If possible, park with the wheels turned or in a way that makes it hard for thieves to drive off quickly.
- Avoid Key Cloning Make sure any garage or body shop you visit is accredited to avoid key cloning risks.
- Consider a Dashcam Dashcams can record suspicious activity around your car, providing evidence for insurance claims or police investigations.
- Wipe Your Data Before Selling Before selling your car, make sure you remove all personal data and permissions linked to apps or connected systems.
- Watch Out for 'Locust' Thieves Thieves known as 'locusts' are stripping cars for valuable parts like headlights and wing mirrors, so always check your car for any signs of tampering.
- Be Aware of Scam Crash Tactics If you're bumped from behind, stay cautious. Wait for a safe spot to pull over, and if you're suspicious, call the police before unlocking your door.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your vehicle and reduce the risk of theft.
