Motorists across the UK are being urged to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles amid a sharp rise in car thefts and damage, according to an article in The Mirror.

So-called “car cannibalism” is where criminals strip specific parts from a vehicle rather than stealing it outright.

Parking under street lights or in busy areas is likely to deter potential theft or damage.

Criminal reality

According to new figures from Admiral Insurance, thefts of parking sensors quadrupled between 2023 and 2024, while steering wheels have also become a prime target for criminals.

The crime trend reflects a broader surge in vehicle crime: Home Office data shows there were over 130,000 incidents of vehicle theft in England and Wales in 2024, up 7% from the previous year.

Meanwhile, nearly 300,000 reports of vehicle interference or damage were recorded, a 5% annual increase.

Security specialists at ADT have issued updated guidance for motorists, recommending that, where possible, cars should be parked in garages overnight.

For those without access to secure storage, one of the simplest measures is to park in well-lit areas, particularly beneath street lights, to deter would-be thieves.

“Sometimes, parking on the street is unavoidable for a lot of us,” an ADT spokesperson said. “If this is the case, choose a spot with good visibility, such as under or near streetlights. Thieves prefer to operate in the shadows — a bright light makes their activity far more conspicuous.”

They also advise parking near busy roads, main entrances, or properties with visible CCTV and alarm systems, as well as avoiding isolated or poorly lit areas.

Cannibalism

While complete vehicle theft remains a significant concern, experts say “car cannibalism” is spreading rapidly.

This involves criminals removing valuable components such as headlights, alloy wheels, or parking sensors — parts that can be resold or fitted to other vehicles.

Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, said:

“Like grand theft auto, car cannibalism is another big worry for car owners. The parts that are stolen are often impossible to retrieve, and they may only be worth relatively small amounts individually, but the inconvenience and repair costs for owners can be huge. Having comprehensive insurance is vital.”

Barclay also suggested keeping spares of vulnerable components, such as bulbs or lights, in a secure location so repairs can be made quickly if parts are stolen.

Going digital 

Police have also warned about the growing use of keyless entry hacking, where thieves use electronic devices to intercept the signal from a key fob to unlock and start a car.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council says this method is now linked to a majority of high-end car thefts, with many occurring outside owners’ homes.

The RAC recommends using a Faraday pouch to block the signal from key fobs when not in use and fitting additional physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks.

With vehicle theft and damage on the rise, both insurers and police stress that prevention is key.

While parking beneath a street lamp might seem a small step, security experts say it could make the difference between a car being targeted or ignored.