Vehicle thefts rose by almost a quarter last year, new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) – and released to the AA – have revealed.
The total number of vehicle thefts increased from 104,435 in 2022 to 130,389 in 2023: an increase of 24.9 percent.
Thefts from vehicles also climbed by 9.9 percent, with almost 213,000 people having items stolen from their car or van.
The true figure is likely to be higher still, adds the ONS. Devon and Cornwall Police were unable to supply any statistics.
“These figures are in danger of getting out of control,” said AA Insurance Services MD, Guy Park. “This would have significant cost implications, both in terms of the impact to wider society as well as the price policy holders pay.
“We urge police chiefs and crime commissioners across the country to create an action plan to crack the issue.”
Car crime goes high-tech
The latest vehicle theft figures show how car crime has gone high-tech. Relay theft, key cloning and signal blocking continue to be the main methods of illegally obtaining vehicles.
Indeed, as carmakers improve key security and advise motorists to put keys ‘to sleep’ in order to reduce these types of offence, the AA warns that criminals have developed even more advanced practices to attack car security systems.
This is why experts are advising motorists use a physical steering wheel lock; it is a device that cannot be overcome by the technology used by gangs to steal cars.
When it comes to theft from vehicles, more ‘traditional’ techniques such as smashing windows and forcing doors are the preferred methods.
Keeping items hidden away, or not storing valuables in vehicles, may encourage the thief to move on to the next car, rather than attacking your own.
“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,” adds Guy Park.
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