Car theft hotspots

Co-op Insurance has released the results of an extensive car theft study.

It reveals that the ten areas with highest rates of car crime in the UK are all found in London.

London remains capital hotspot

Data from the leading motor insurer outlines the places across England, Scotland and Wales that have had the highest car theft rates since 2017, uncovering Islington as the hotspot in the UK.

Wandsworth and The City of London came in at second and third place, based on the frequency of car theft claims as a percentage of the policies in that area, between 2017 and 2021.

Birmingham and Solihull in the West Midlands are the only districts outside of the capital within the worst 20, sitting at 16 and 18 respectively.

Meanwhile, those living in the district of Torridge, Devon, claim the top spot as having the lowest frequency of claims in the last four years, followed closely by those living in Moray, Scotland.

Thieving favourites

When it comes to which makes and models of cars are most likely to be targeted, the study reveals that it is smaller, lower-price point vehicles that are favoured by thieves, as observed in previous studies.

The three cars stolen most frequently, by volume of total claims over the four years, are the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Jazz and the Ford Focus. The Audi A3 sits at number 10, being one of the only more expensive models to feature. The Audi A4, BMW 320 and Land Rover Range Rover are less frequently stolen.

Parking potential

The interactive Park Smart tool from Co-op Insurance uses data published by the Home Office on data.police.uk to help customers understand what car crime levels are like in a local area. Users can search for vehicle crime hotspots by postcode or location to quickly identify a safe street, with results showing how many reports of vehicle thefts, thefts from a vehicle and vandalism there have been in the last six months. Areas are colour coded red, orange, or yellow to make it easy to spot where crime is most frequent.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor Insurance at Co-op Insurance says: “Having your car stolen is one of the most distressing experiences a person can endure, with both an emotional and financial impact. Our most recent claims data shows that car crime rates in London have remained high and now dominate the 10 most dangerous spots for theft.

“People with smaller and perhaps less expensive cars need to be aware that these motor vehicles are hot property for car thieves.”

Top tips to beat the car thieves

1. Think before you park: if your car’s not at home, if possible, park it in a well-lit area, near to people and other cars and somewhere where it can easily be seen, preferably monitored by CCTV or a security patrol.
2. Wheels at an angle: when parking on the street, make sure your car wheels are facing the curb (unless parking uphill or on a hill). This means that anyone trying to speed off in your car will have to release the steering wheel lock first. It also helps eliminate the chance of a thief towing or pushing your car away to a quieter spot.
3. Invest in deterrents: something as simple as a visible steering lock can really put a car thief off. If you don’t have one fitted, and you have the resources, consider adding a car alarm, immobiliser, tracking device or dash cam.
4. Doors to manual: you might think that by clicking your key fob, your car has automatically been locked but increasingly inexpensive remote-control jamming technology can be purchased online which blocks signals to your car: this means you’re unknowingly leaving it completely unlocked and not alarmed. Always make sure to manually check the doors and boot before you walk away.
5. Avoid temptation: never leave valuable objects such as bags, clothes, sat navs, designer sunglasses, loose change, or mobile phones on display. This could prompt an opportunistic thief to smash a window and take your belongings. Ensure your car looks empty and free from expensive items.
6. Switch off your engine: don’t leave your car running whilst you nip off to run an errand – you’re making it too easy for car thieves to take advantage of an empty driving seat.
7. Fuel stations: if no one is sitting in your car, lock it as you go to pay for your fuel otherwise this gives a thief an ideal opportunity to strike.
8. Be surroundings aware: to avoid being a victim of carjacking, when in slow moving traffic or a traffic jam, lock your windows and doors, place valuables out of sight and remain alert, especially if travelling at night or driving a convertible.

The 20 UK vehicle theft hotspots (2017-2021)

The 20 postcodes outside of London most likely to have a theft (2017-2021)

The 10 areas least likely to have a theft  (2017-2021)

Makes and models with most theft claims (2017 and 2021)

To find out the car crime rates in your area, click here.