Some parts on modern cars are so valuable that they are being stolen to order. Rather than steal the whole car and then use a chop shop, many thieves are taking front bumper, light/indicator/sensor assemblies and bonnets from cars parked on streets or driveways. Here’s the word;
Stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR) Tracker Network UK is warning motorists that the rising cost of spare vehicle parts is fuelling an increase in car cannibalisation – when thieves steal valuable parts from parked cars without taking the vehicle itself. Usually operating under the cover of night, thieves will quickly and meticulously dismantle vehicles parked on driveways, on the street or in car parks to secure valuable components like catalytic converters, alloy wheels and sophisticated electronic systems.
Generally, the most common items to be stolen include parking sensors, air bags, front bumpers and bonnets, while headlights, grills and wings are also easily unbolted and removed. Even basic parts such as brake discs, brake pads and wiper blades are at risk of theft in this lucrative criminal market.
“This theft technique is fast, eliminates the need for criminals to transport or store vehicles, and is also difficult to protect against, making it a triple threat for drivers,” commented Clive Wain, vehicle theft expert and Head of Police Liaison at Tracker. “Thieves often operate with a calculated efficiency, using specialised tools to quickly and quietly remove parts, minimising the risk of detection. Rising demand for more affordable spare parts has seen car cannibalisation increasing, just like we have seen with the rise of chop shops in recent years.”
Chop shops are illegal body shops used to unlawfully disassemble stolen motor vehicles so their parts can be sold on. In 2024 Tracker helped the UK police service uncover a record 60 chop shops and arrest 144 suspects – an 80% increase on arrests compared to 2023. Tracker is the only stolen vehicle recovery provider that is supported by all 43 police forces in the U.K. Over 2,000 police cars and all police helicopters are equipped with its technology.
Clive Wain continues, “The psychological toll on drivers, knowing their vehicles are vulnerable even in their own driveways, adds a layer of anxiety to daily life, disrupting the peace they expect at home. With chop shops and car cannibalisation cases increasing, there is an urgent need to ramp up vehicle security. Parking on a private driveway or using a steering wheel lock or secure post in front of the vehicle is no longer enough to protect vehicles. Motorists must go further to deter criminals from targeting their car.”
Tracker’s top tips to protect against car cannibalism
Avoid unlit parking areas: Darkness gives thieves valuable cover, so parking in a well-lit area is the easiest way to deter would-be thieves. At home, motion-activated security lights will ensure thieves will be visible if they approach your car, an important deterrent.
Invest in a dashcam or visible CCTV: Even a video doorbell that covers the car while parked on the drive will deter thieves as their actions will be recorded. Many dashcams include a parking mode feature to begin recording in the event of an impact or movement while the ignition is off.
Use an alarm: Car alarms may not stop a thief stealing parts, or damaging the vehicle, but should stop them hanging around to remove multiple parts. If your car does not already have an alarm fitted, you can have one fitted. It should detect movement – not just the doors being opened or windows smashed – in case the vehicle is lifted to allow access to wheels or parts under the vehicle.
Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice. Many of the most desirable parts are on the front of the vehicle, and require removal of the front bumper, so parking with the front of the vehicle close to a wall would make theft harder so thieves may keep walking.
Mark parts: Etch parts that can be stolen with the vehicle’s registration plate. Visible markings could deter a thief from stealing components as they could be tracked or reported by a buyer.
Get police protection: Invest in a stolen vehicle recovery solution (SVR) that will locate and return your vehicle to you before thieves can dismantle it. Most Tracker devices feature motion sensors to detect unauthorised movement and notify Tracker and the driver.
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