Map reveals UK’s worst car theft hotspots – find out if you’re at risk and how you can protect yourself
A MAP revealed the UK’s worst car theft hotspots – find out if you’re at risk and how to protect yourself.
Shocking data revealed motor thefts rose by a quarter last year, and in response Go Compare has created a list of areas with the highest figures.
Analysis from police forces from across Britain were collected to rank the top 10 worst affected areas, as reported by MailOnline.
Cleveland Police Force had the highest ratio of thefts per 1000 vehicles last year at 12.67 cars and 973 reports filed.
They were followed by London Metropolitan who revealed 11.51 per 1000, with a staggering 35,220 reports in 2022.
Meanwhile, officers in South Yorkshire dealt with 726,017 cases of car theft, making their ratio 10.67.
The remaining worst affected areas were seen by authorities in Northumbira, Bedfordshire, West Yorskhire, West Midlands, Essex, Nottingham and Merseyside.
At the bottom of the list, with a ratio of just 0.49, was Dyfed-Powys.
Rates in Gloucestershire were also significantly lower with 0.67, followed by Cumbia police force who reported a ratio of 0.70.
Suffolk, Norfolk, North Wales, Northern Ireland, Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Lincolnshire ranged from 0.71 to 1.49 respectively.
Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go Compare, said: “Car theft is always a concern for car owners. Although you can take precautions, it’s not an event that can be fully predicted or avoided.
“Knowing which locations bring the biggest risk of theft can help drivers take extra safety measures, especially for those with more coveted cars.”
It comes as the AA warned motorists that thieves are increasingly using “hi-tech” methods, including key-cloning, to commit the crimes.
AA Insurance Services managing director Gus Park previously said: “These figures are in danger of getting out of control.
“If left to spiral further there will be big cost implications in terms of the impact to wider society, let alone the price policy holders pay.
“We urge police chiefs and crime commissioners across the country to create an action plan to crack the case.
“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.”
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM THEFT
Fortunately, there are several things drivers can do to make their car more secure.
PARKING LOCATION
Experts have urged motorist to choose well-lit areas with surround CCTV security cameras.
A website called Park Mark has been designed to help drivers find facilities approved for their car safety.
If you park at home, driveways in view of the road are more likely to be targeted.
Vehicle owners in high risk areas have been advised to consider installing a parking bollard in front of their vehicle.
KEY FOBS
Never put your keys somewhere that’s easily in sight, and try and put them as far away from the car as possible.
And, although it may sound obvious – always double check the vehicle is locked.
Thieves will often capitalise on moments when drivers let their guard down, such as leaving their car to defrost in the morning, or when owners briefly go back into their house.
KEYLESS CARS
Motor experts warn drivers with keyless tech, to invest in a faraday pouch or box.
Available from around £5, you can put your keys inside and then seal the pouch or box, which should stop crooks connecting with any ‘keyless’ signals and gaining access to the vehicle.
STEERING LOCKS
An obvious physical deterrent, and one of the most effective is a steering lock.
Not only will these deter thieves in the first place, they will make it more time-consuming to steal the motor.
‘GHOST’ IMMOBILISERS AND TRACKERS
Most modern cars are installed with an immobiliser, but extra precautions can be taken by fitting a ‘ghost’ immobiliser.
This is a system by which a certain button or number sequence needs to be entered before the car will start.
It means that even if someone has your keys, they won’t be able to start the vehicle without knowing the pin code.
REMOVE VALUABLES
It sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget.
Never leave valuables on show in your car to prevent attracting thieves.
It’s worth putting any bags or boxes (even if inexpensive items) into the boot or out of sight.
AVOID DANGER
Finally, if you do witness your motor being broken into, don’t put yourself in danger.
Experts warned that some car thieves will be part of large organised crime networks.
They often resort to violence in order to take your car, and putting yourself in harm’s way is not worth the risk.