Some interesting car crime data here, although using the overall population as a benchmark, rather than the local DVLA registered vehicle parc, undermines any conclusions of course;
Drivers have been warned to properly secure their cars after experts revealed the top ten vehicle crime hotspots in England and Wales. Motoring experts at Absolute Reg have named the ten areas where police logged the highest vehicle crime rates per head of population. They are now telling motorists how to minimise their risks of becoming a victim of car crime and advising what to do if they are targeted.
It comes after the news that vehicle theft across the nation is on the rise, with a 24.9% year-on-year increase according to the latest data.
Image Credit – Shutterstock
The West Midlands is the worst area in England and Wales for vehicle theft, with a car crime rate of almost 13 per 1,000 people, according to the latest data from 2022. It follows the capital city, where the vehicle crime rate is 11.87 per 1,000 people and then Bristol with 10.72. The only area in Wales to make the list of 10 most dangerous areas to own a vehicle was South Glamorgan – with a crime rate of 7.56 per 1,000 people.
Three counties have a crime rate of less than seven vehicle offences per 1,000 people – Buckinghamshire, West Yorkshire and Berkshire. South Yorkshire has a vehicle crime rate of 8.52 per 1,000 people, causing it to rank fourth in England and Wales. Warwickshire is the seventh worst county in the UK to own a vehicle due to the risk of thefts, break-ins and damages.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, warned drivers across the country to tighten up their vehicle security during the darker hours as 80% of car crime occurs in the evening or at night.
He said: “Motorists in these hotspot car crime areas and across the country should ensure their vehicles are secure as soon as it gets dark. There are also several things you can do to deter any criminals looking for cars to break into or steal. At night time try to park in a well-lit area underneath a street lamp or in a busy area if you’re unable to use a garage. This will help prevent opportunistic thieves from attempting to steal your car.
“Invest in some anti-theft screws to secure down number plates to prevent cloning and robbery. Installing security alarms and steering wheel locks are another way to stop criminals from targeting your car. Many drivers also forget that leaving personal items inside your car may increase the chances of getting your vehicle stolen. It’s best to keep any bags, coats and other items inside your home. Secure any items that are on the outside of your vehicle including tailgate racks and roof boxes. Use padlocks and cable locks to prevent thieves or better yet remove anything left on the vehicle.”
Be the first to comment