Convicted thieves have recently disclosed the easiest items to steal from cars, shedding light on the alarming rise of car thefts in the UK. In the past two years alone, car thefts have amounted to a staggering £109 million, with victims losing an average of £618 worth of possessions. Shockingly, there have been an average of 540 thefts per day from cars in the past year.
Among the most commonly stolen items are number plates, catalytic converters, electronic components, bike racks, and roof boxes. Additionally, MailOnline has provided insights into the car crime hotspots in the UK. Unfortunately, London takes the lead, with a rate of theft from cars of 14.39 per 1,000 population in the last two years. The West Midlands closely follows with 10.83, while Greater Manchester stands at 9.41. Avon and Somerset experienced the largest annual increase, with reports up by 48%, while Warwickshire and Northumbria saw the second and third highest increases, respectively.
In 2022 alone, the total value of possessions stolen from vehicles exceeded £61 million, marking a 27% increase from the previous year’s £48 million. These alarming figures were revealed through a study conducted by Direct Line and the University of Huddersfield, which involved interviews with convicted thieves.
The thieves highlighted various trends and changes in the items they target. One thief mentioned how car stereos with pop-off fronts used to be a lucrative target, fetching between £60 and £80 each. However, as technology evolved, satnavs became the new sought-after item. Nowadays, with built-in car systems and the prevalence of mobile phones, thieves have shifted their focus to other visible valuables such as laptops and electronic devices.
Surprisingly, some thieves admitted that they specifically target unlocked cars, taking advantage of the opportunity when they see open doors or easily accessible belongings. They emphasized the importance of being observant, noting that a car with wing mirrors out or a red flashing light inside is a clear indicator of openness, making it stand out like a Christmas tree.
Lorraine Price, the head of motor insurance at Direct Line, empathized with the distress caused by car theft and emphasized the need for car owners to take precautions. While ideally car owners should not have to worry about significant security measures, Price advised avoiding leaving valuables in vehicles whenever possible. She also advised car owners to understand their motor insurance policies and what is covered in case theft becomes unavoidable.
Earlier this year, an unfortunate incident captured on video showcased the audacity of car thieves in affluent Dulwich Village. In the video, three thieves can be seen stealing a catalytic converter from an NHS worker’s car, the second time it had happened within six months. Despite the woman’s attempt to scare them away, the thieves continued their work unabated. The victim’s husband even chased after the thieves in an effort to identify their vehicle but was ultimately unsuccessful.
To minimize the risk of theft from cars, several precautions can be taken. It is imperative to always lock the car, even if leaving it unattended for a brief moment, and never leave the keys inside. Additionally, valuable items should be kept out of sight, and it is advisable not to leave them in the car overnight. Maintaining a tidy car can also deter thieves, as a messy car may signal the absence of valuable items. Finally, installing a motion-sensor alarm with a recorded voice can act as a deterrent against potential thieves.
Source: Direct Line
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