Over the past five years more than 67,700 premium cars have been stolen, the equivalent of one every 38 minutes. So far in 2019 (January to October), premium cars have accounted for nearly two fifths (37 per cent) of all reported car thefts, up from just 31 per cent recorded for the whole of 2015.
The average on-the-road price of even the humble Ford Fiesta, the most common car in the UK representing nearly one in 20 cars on the road in 2019, has increased by 58 per cent over the past five years3. The prices of many high-end vehicles have increased by even more over the same period. This significant increase in the cost of vehicles has made high-end car theft an even more attractive opportunity for thieves, which is reflected in the sharp rise in vehicle crime reported by owners of premium cars.
Direct Line’s analysis shows that the overall number of vehicles on Britain’s roads is increasing4, with around 1.9 million more licenced cars in the second quarter of 2019 than in the second quarter of 2015. Interestingly, the vast majority of these additional vehicles have been premium makes, with around 1.7 million more premium cars on the road now than in 2015. However, while there is an increasing number of premium cars in the UK – a 26 per cent increase over five years – the number of reported crimes is still significantly higher (a 117 per cent increase between January to October 2015 compared to January to October 2019).
In the first half of 2019 there had been more reported thefts of premium cars than in the whole of 2015. However, Direct Line is predicting that this year could see a record number of premium vehicle thefts, as historically the winter months have seen the highest number of cars stolen. October alone accounts for 10 per cent of all premium car thefts since the start of 2015 – a quarter more (25 per cent) than the average month.
Steve Barrett, head of motor insurance at Direct Line, commented: “Our shared love of cars and technology has led to increasingly luxurious vehicles, but also a steady rise in car prices and an increased possibility of theft. Our analysis shows that certain premium car brands can be at heightened risk of being stolen so it is important for car owners to take additional precautions especially in the darker months to ensure their vehicles are not easy targets for thieves.
“Many owners believe that parking in their driveway can be an effective deterrent to thieves, though our research shows that parking in driveways does not deter thieves. We would, therefore, encourage policyholders to protect their cars by investing in anti-theft equipment, such as a steering wheel lock. Such simple yet effective devices make cars less attractive to thieves and much harder to steal.”
Direct Line’s analysis of the location of car thefts indicates that around 65 per cent of all vehicles are stolen from the owner’s address. However, this figure rises to 71 per cent for premium vehicles, signifying the importance of vehicle theft prevention measures at home.
When looking at the proportion of premium vehicles stolen, Direct Line’s analysis reveals that in 2019 to date, 17 premium cars have been stolen for every 10,000 premium vehicles licenced, compared to 12 per 10,000 vehicles when looking at all cars in the UK4. This means that owners of premium cars have a 48 per cent higher risk of having their vehicle stolen than the average car owner.
On a regional level, London is the premium car theft capital, accounting for more than a third (34 per cent) of all premium car thefts over the past five years. This works out at around one premium car being reported as stolen every two hours, and accounts for nearly half (49 per cent) of all reported car thefts in the capital. London is followed by the West Midlands (15 per cent) and the North West (14 per cent), meaning that these three regions account for nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of all premium car thefts across the UK, despite only accounting for 56 per cent of all car thefts.
Overall, October and November see a lift in the number of reported car thefts, accounting for 28 per cent of the annual average number of such incidents. November 2018 saw a record high number of premium car thefts with nearly 1,900 vehicles stolen. This is the equivalent of one in every nine premium cars (11 per cent) stolen throughout 2018 being taken in November at an average of 63 per day across the UK, or one every 23 minutes.
Top tips to prevent car theft
Keep the vehicle locked Modern cars’ smoother locking mechanisms can make it difficult to hear if the car locks. Double-check that it is locked before leaving your vehicle, even if you are just ducking away for a few minutes. Never leave the vehicle running when you are not with it, and ensure the car is locked when parked outside your home.
Invest in the right technology – Most modern cars are fitted with alarms and immobilisers as standard. However, thieves’ technology is advancing in line with that of manufacturers’, and a “belt and braces” approach to car safety could make the difference when deterring potential thieves. Steering wheel, pedal and gear locks are inexpensive, easy to install and off-putting to criminals, while tracking devices or CCTV systems fitted near your car can help track down your vehicle and the perpetrator should it be taken.
Keep your keys safe – The easiest way for a criminal to steal a car is by taking the keys, so always ensure you store your keys out of sight of doors or windows.
Block signals - Some manufacturers make it possible to switch your key off. If this is not possible for your car, invest in a ‘Faraday Pouch’. The pouch, often referred to as a cage, shields its contents from static electric fields, distributing the electric charges around the cage’s exterior protecting items within. They are relativelyinexpensive and available from many retail outlets.
Park smart – If you don’t have the luxury of a private garage or off-street parking, do try to park in a well-lit, populated area whenever possible. Thieves will always target vehicles left in areas where they have little chance of being seen, so parking in side roads or areas away from street lights could put your vehicle at risk.
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