Recent news has revealed widespread police failures when it comes to UK vehicle crime. The latest statistics found that the authorities failed to apprehend any criminals stealing cars in over 100 neighbourhoods throughout England and Wales. While a further 558 neighbourhoods reported at least one incident of vehicle theft every week with fewer than 2% of cases solved.

As these findings prove, vehicle crime is fast becoming an epidemic in the UK. With police response slow or limited, it’s up to car owners to take matters into their own hands to keep their beloved vehicles safe.

Read on to discover what you can do to keep your vehicle out of the wrong hands, and which car makes and models are on the average vehicle thief’s hit list.

Which vehicles are most at risk?

There are several vehicle makes and models deemed most at risk of vehicle theft in the UK, and they’re not all prestige or high-priced. The Ford Fiesta for example was by far the most stolen vehicle in the UK during 2023 according to the most up-to-date findings from the DVLA.

The Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes C-Class, Ranger Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, BMW 3 Series, Vauxhall Corsa, Vauxhall Astra and Land Rover Discovery Sport also made the list of the UK’s top 10 most stolen cars.

What can I do to keep my car safe?

Whether your vehicle made the most stolen cars list or not, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your pride and joy from unwanted attention. Deterrents like wheel locks may be old school but they remain an effective way of making vehicles less attractive and accessible to thieves.

Where you store your keys overnight can also mean the difference between a quick and not so quick getaway. Never keep your keys by the front door or within easy reach of a window.

Many experts recommend storing car keys in a security box within the home. If your vehicle is operated using keyless entry, stowing keys in a metal security box or specialist Faraday pouch is the best option. The box or pouch will block electromagnetic signals to prevent thieves gaining remote access to the key inside.

How can I protect my vehicle when it’s not in use?

If your vehicle isn’t in use or you’re taking a holiday, storing your vehicle in a secure facility should be your first choice, and there’s no better place to do just that than right here at SCRACS. To find out more about our car storage service or to check availability, please get in touch today.