21 February 2023
The AA is warning that car thefts could increase this year following data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that stolen vehicles had increased by 29% between September 2021 and September 2022*.
As the cost of living crisis deepens, more people are tempted into criminal activities to make ends meet with car crime near the top of illegal activity.
"Vehicle theft is rising very steeply, and we are worried that more cars will be taken this year as gangs continue to attack innocent drivers by taking their prized possessions."
While older cars are vulnerable to being taken by old school ‘smash and grab’ techniques, most thieves have gone hi-tech to take advantage of vehicles with keyless entry.
To beat the bandits, AA Insurance Services have released a list of “DO’S & DON’T’S” to help drivers keep hold of their cars and stave off potential attacks:
AA car crime DO’S & DON’T’S:DO invest in vehicle security. Items such as Crooklocks/Disc locks are relatively cheap and easy to use but are a great deterrent as thieves will often just move on to the next target. Wheel clamps that lock around the vehicle wheels and a pedal box over the foot pedals are also very effective. For vehicles with keyless entry, buy and use some faraday pouches (for both the main and spare key). DO check your car is locked before walking away. Some thieves use signal blockers to jam the signal between key and car. Just because you’ve pressed the lock button doesn’t mean it is, so double-checking is always best. DO investigate whether your key can be “put to sleep” when not being used. This is possible with most manufacturers, via the infotainment screen or with a combination of key fob button presses. Your owner’s manual or vehicle dealer should be able to guide you through how to turn the keyless system off. DON'T assume that the immobiliser or tracking device fitted by the manufacturer is sufficient to protect your car. Thieves can often over-ride the immobiliser and find the tracking device. Consider buying an additional electronic immobiliser or an after-market tracking device to provide a second layer of protection. DON'T leave your keys out in the open. Either use a Faraday pouch or put the key to sleep. DON'T overpack your garage. If you have a garage, it is often the best place to park your car as it is “out of sight, out of mind” for criminals. If you don’t have a garage, consider fitting a lockable post in the driveway/parking bay to stop your car being driven away. |
While theft from vehicles tends to be opportunistic, the theft of vehicles tends to be planned. These are often shipped abroad, cut up for parts or sold to order**.
Gus Park, managing director of AA Insurance Services, said: “Vehicle theft is rising very steeply, and we are worried that more cars will be taken this year as gangs continue to attack innocent drivers by taking their prized possessions.
“There are many steps people can take to protect their car and there are many security measures and products to meet every budget. For example, using a crook lock makes a massive difference, as it will often cause the thief to move on to the next easier target rather than taking the time and trouble to break into the car and remove it.
“If you have a car with keyless entry, putting the spare key to sleep when not in use, de-activating the keyless entry or using a Faraday pouch can make a big difference in keeping relay theft at bay.”