Car thefts are on the rise and figures show an alarming increase in the number of vehicles stolen per year. In 2022, a total of 130,389 vehicles were stolen, a significant increase from the 104,435 reported thefts in 2021, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Additionally, AA Insurance Services data indicates a 9.9 percent rise in theft from vehicles, with 212,900 incidents in 2022, up from 193,647 the previous year.
Gus Park, managing director for AA Insurance Services, says in Fleet News that the rise in vehicle thefts is “worrying” and highlights that security is “vitally important”.
He added: “Unfortunately, there is no one thing that can guarantee keeping your car safe from theft, but just making it a bit harder for the thieves can make it less likely that they’ll go for your car.”
An investigation by Tesco Bank revealed the top three cities that thieves were targeting, by analysing insurance claims data. The top cities targeted were:
1) Birmingham – accounted for 8 percent of theft claims
2) London – 7 percent
3) Sheffield – 6 percent
Data also showed the majority of thefts took place during the night when drivers were asleep as 36 percent of claims state robberies happened between midnight and 7 am.
Further analysis also discovered the five most popular cars stolen cars were:
1) Ford – accounted for 17% of all theft claims
2) Land Rover – 11%
3) Mercedes – 10%
3) BMW – 8%
4) Vauxhall -8%
AA Insurance Services is reminding company car and van drivers to not store valuables in their vehicles if possible, or at the very least advise drivers to keep items hidden away.
Visible deterrents such as using a steering wheel lock can help keep thieves at bay, because these devices cannot be overcome by the technology now being used by gangs to steal cars.
When it comes to taking things from cars, faster and more traditional methods are adopted such as smashing windows or forcing windows and doors open are used to get hold of valuable possessions.
Although nothing is foolproof, showing a car is secure is likely to make the thief move on to the next unprotected car.
Motoring experts from Swansway Motor Group have shared their thoughts with Express.co.uk on how you can take extra steps to secure your vehicle.
A surprising visual deterrent is to keep your car looking clean and fresh, rather than have it appear neglected.
They advised: “Thieves often target neglected-looking cars, assuming they’re an easy mark. Having a clean car also helps as thieves will often assume with a messy car that there is something of value inside to take.”
“Customising your car with unique features like discreet markings or modifications can also work to deter thieves. Personalisation makes your vehicle less appealing for quick and anonymous theft as it becomes easily identifiable and presents a higher risk.”
