Yep, true story. Despite organised gangs stealing prestige cars to order for export, others stripping popular models for expensive parts and the odd joyrider simply wanting a donut session in a car park next weekend, many drivers don’t bother with security measures. Trackers, old school steering locks, hiding keys in Faraday pouches – these are all sensible moves. Here’s the latest research;
New research from Prima, the car insurance provider, reveals that over a fifth of Brits (21%) do not use any security measures to protect their vehicle. This means that as many as 7.2 million cars may currently be unprotected on British streets.
This news comes despite a backdrop of a rise in car thefts, with a third (32%) of Britons reporting that they are “very concerned” or “concerned” about car theft. The research, conducted by Opinium among 2,000 UK adults, spotlights the significant concerns about car theft across the country.
Rising tide of crime
These concerns are understandable given an overall rise in car thefts in recent years. UK police forces reported just over 133,000 car thefts in 2024, roughly one for every 287 vehicles. That is an 8% increase from 2019, when 123,000 thefts were recorded, demonstrating a clear upward trend.
The research reported that this trend is being felt strongly in the UK. 1 in 7 UK adults reported having been affected by car theft in the last five years, either directly or through someone they know. Notably, 27% of 18–34-year-olds reported car theft experiences, suggesting younger adults are disproportionately affected. This generational gap may reflect differences in lifestyle, vehicle usage, or security habits.
Morad Benmoussa, Head of Customer Care UK at Prima, commented: “This data reinforces the need for continued focus on prevention, awareness, and collaboration across the industry to ensure customers are better protected.”
Londoners are living in fear
Whilst fears around car theft were prevalent across the UK, it is clear that Londoners feel the most vulnerable, with over half (55%) saying they are “very concerned” or “concerned” about car theft in their area. With high-density parking and increasingly tech-savvy criminals, the capital has become a hotspot for vehicle crime.
This rise in concerns for Londoners chimes with the reported figures around thefts, with 26% of Londoners reporting having experienced a car theft directly or indirectly in the last five years, the highest of any region in the UK.
Where is safe?
Residential streets are seen as the most vulnerable locations for car theft, with 35% of respondents identifying them as the highest risk location, followed closely by town centre car parks (28%). A concerning 32% of respondents reported being unsure about the riskiest location for car thefts, suggesting that Britons see this as a pervasive threat.
Of those that reported using a security measure, the most popular choice was a car alarm system (42%), standard on many modern cars, a measure modern criminals are adept at bypassing.
Public looks to innovation to tackle rising car theft
Enhanced car security systems top the list for driver reassurance, with 47% of respondents saying better vehicle security tech would make them feel more confident their car is protected. The finding suggests growing public trust in technology as a key defence against rising car theft and vehicle-related crime.
Respondents also cited a more visible police presence as a major factor in making them feel more confident their vehicle is protected, with 39% reporting that they would feel assured by a more visible police force.
A concerning 14% said that there was nothing that could be done that would make them feel their vehicle was safe, suggesting a sense of fatalism amongst British drivers.
What this means and what drivers can do
Despite significant fears around car theft, millions of UK drivers are leaving their vehicles vulnerable, often relying on outdated or easily bypassed security systems. The data reveals a disconnect between concern and action, especially among younger adults and urban residents. With thefts on the rise, this gap presents a pressing challenge for insurers, policymakers, and drivers alike.
Worryingly, the research shows a false sense of security among a large number of UK drivers, many of whom may assume theft “won’t happen to them”. Some drivers may mistakenly believe factory-fitted security is enough, unaware that criminals can bypass these systems in seconds.
Morad Benmoussa, Head of Customer Care UK at Prima, commented: “It’s worrying to see so many vehicles left unprotected as car theft continues to rise. We have a shared responsibility to promote stronger prevention measures and raise awareness of how simple security steps can make a real difference. Prevention benefits everyone and it protects drivers.”
Morad Benmoussa suggests a few simple but effective steps to help drivers protect their vehicles:
- Use visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks.
- Consider installing a tracker to improve the chances of recovery if your car is stolen, and make sure your insurer is aware of it.
- Whenever possible, park in well lit, busy areas or monitored car parks.
- Review your insurance policy to ensure it includes theft cover and support for vehicle recovery or replacement.
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