The dashcam manufacturer Nextbase has disclosed a startling statistic: nearly 70 percent of vehicle thefts in the UK go unsolved because the police struggle to identify a suspect.
An analysis of Freedom of Information (FoI) data reveals that only 6.7 percent of stolen vehicle cases between 2019 and 2022 resulted in the thief being charged.
Dr Ken Tindell, esteemed car hacking expert and CTO of Canis Automotive Labs, highlights the outdated perception many people have of car thefts.
He advises, “The image of car thieves breaking windows and hot-wiring cars is completely out of touch with reality.
“With the latest theft techniques, criminals can intercept wireless messages from the driver’s key fob and remotely unlock the car or clone a key fob to trick the car into thinking they are the legitimate driver.”
In addition to the police data, Nextbase conducted a recent survey which revealed alarming negligence among UK motorists in preventing car theft.
Out of 2,000 drivers surveyed, six percent admitted to having no security features in their vehicles.
However, 51 percent claimed to have an alarm installed, while 23 percent reported always keeping their key fob away from windows and doors to prevent cloning.
Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, emphasizes that fitting a security device such as a dashcam increases the chances of preventing or solving vehicle theft cases.
He says, “Despite the tireless efforts of the police, many cases remain unsolved due to lack of video evidence, rendering prosecution impossible.
“The increasing sophistication of criminals, coupled with years of inadequate funding, makes their job extremely challenging. Consequently, two-thirds of cases have no identified suspects.”
The Metropolitan Police recommends responsible parking as a preventive measure against car thefts. They suggest finding a safe space, even if it means walking an extra five or ten minutes.
While utilizing a secure and well-supervised car park is the ideal choice, drivers should also aim to park in well-lit areas on busy streets where any attempt at breaking into the vehicle would be conspicuous.
The police force also advises drivers to consider installing a Thatcham rated alarm system, as many models come equipped with tracking and movement sensors to aid in locating a stolen vehicle.
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