Some regions of the UK have seen car thefts rise by 25% or more, with police saying criminals are increasingly stealing cars not to sell them - but to strip them and sell them for parts...
It’s not just high value vehicles such as prestige 4x4s that are hot targets for thieves, reports Tracker. A global lack of good quality used vehicles, alongside spare parts shortages, are increasing the desirability of older, lower value cars, vans and motorcycles.
Vehicles are often stolen and stripped for their parts in chop shops or stolen to order to be shipped abroad to meet international demand.
New data suggests that cars with keyless entry systems are twice as likely to be stolen as those without.
Data shows keyless entry was the most common method of access for vehicle thefts in England and Wales in the year ending March 2020, accounting for more than a third (36%) of incidents. This increased from 13% in the previous year.
The data also reveals that three quarters of vehicle-related thefts (76%) occurred during the hours of darkness.
There are actually a number of steps owners can take that will help make the theft of these vehicle considerably more difficult, and therefore more unlikely.
1.Lock/double-lock your car
This sounds obvious but high-end vehicle theft can occur simply because the vehicle has not been correctly locked in the first place. A sign to check the vehicle has been locked and alarm set, is the indicator lights double-flashing. Some models come with ‘walk-away’ locking capability where the vehicle locks automatically once you’ve moved from the vehicle by a certain distance (usually 2 metres), therefore physically seeing the double indicator flash will reassure you that the vehicle is locked.
2.Wing Mirrors
Are they folded away? This often happens automatically - it is an indication that the vehicle is locked.
3.Check your area
Is remote locking possible?
4.Trackers
Trackers can help owners protect their assets from thieves. Naturally, one of the first benefits of a GPS tracking system will be that It can help to provide more security for your vehicle. If you choose a quality system that will not only track your vehicle, but that can also alert you when there is an issue with the vehicle, such as someone trying to break into it, you can boost your car security. They can even provide tracking in real-time, so if the vehicle is stolen, there will be a better chance that it can be recovered. GPS tracker and vehicle tracking systems help to reduce vehicle theft-related crimes.
5.Steering Locks
A good steering lock, if used every time the vehicle is unattended, can be a useful visual deterrent (particularly if a disc lock is used)
6.Garages
If you have one, use it.
7. Keys
If your vehicle has a keyless car entry system, consider storing your keys – both sets – in a metal tin or Faraday pouch to block the signal against relay attack technology.
At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside.
Following these basic steps could help reduce the chance of having these vehicles targeted and stolen. Individually they may seem small, but what’s all-important is an awareness of how these can become exceptionally significant to criminals on the look-out for a target. In the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly close the net on thieves and return the vehicle to its rightful owner.
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