New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that vehicle theft in the UK remains a significant concern.

There were 129,159 vehicles stolen between April 2023 and March 2024.

Although slightly lower than the 130,119 recorded in the previous year, the number of thefts remains at a 15-year high.

Locked out

Despite vehicle crime remaining high, incidents of items stolen from vehicles dropped 12%, with 193,023 reported crimes compared to 218,431 the year before.

However, vehicle tampering—including theft of catalytic converters, number plates, and badges—rose 2%, with incidents increasing from 52,268 to 53,369.

This has led certain areas of the UK to concentrate more on prevention than others.

New 2024 eBay data reveals that residents of Romford, East London, are the UK’s most security-conscious car owners, purchasing the highest number of vehicle security accessories per capita.

Llandudno, Conwy, and Redhill, Surrey, ranked second and third, with Dorchester, Dorset, and Truro, Cornwall, rounding out the top five.

This growing trend toward security reflects motorists’ heightened concern in response to rising vehicle crime.

Traditional protection

In 2024, searches for traditional vehicle security accessories increased by 2.75% compared to 2023, with steering wheel locks becoming the most searched-for car security item on eBay, surpassing car alarms.

Other popular searches included wheel clamps, Faraday pouches (used to block keyless car theft), pedal locks, and Faraday boxes.

Searches for Faraday boxes saw the most significant individual increase, rising by 8% year-on-year.

“Our data shows that British motorists remain highly security-conscious, with a clear preference for tried-and-tested security solutions,” states Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay. “While digital security features are important, traditional accessories—such as steering wheel locks and Faraday pouches—continue to provide that extra layer of protection and peace of mind for vehicle owners.”

eBay offers a wide range of security products, from steering wheel locks and car alarms to OBD port blockers and car immobilisers, helping UK motorists safeguard their vehicles.

Top 10 Most Security-Conscious Areas

  1. Romford, East London
  2. Llandudno, Conwy
  3. Redhill, Surrey
  4. Dorchester, Dorset
  5. Truro, Cornwall
  6. Southall, Middlesex
  7. Motherwell, North Lanarkshire
  8. Dartford, Kent
  9. Llandrindod Wells, Powys County
  10. Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Top 10 Most Searched-for Vehicle Security Accessories

  1. Steering wheel lock
  2. Car alarm
  3. Wheel clamp
  4. Faraday pouch
  5. Pedal lock
  6. Faraday box
  7. Car key signal blocker box
  8. Car immobiliser
  9. Lockbox
  10. Car security system