After experts revealed England and Wales’s top ten vehicle crime hotspots, drivers have been warned to secure their cars properly. Motoring experts have named the ten areas where police logged the highest vehicle crime rates per head of population.
They are now telling motorists how to minimise their risks of becoming victims of car crime and advising them on what to do if they are targeted.
It comes after the news that vehicle theft nationwide is on the rise, with a 24.9% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data.
According to the latest data from 2022, the West Midlands is the worst area in England and Wales for vehicle theft, with a car crime rate of almost 13 per 1,000 people.
It follows the capital city, where the vehicle crime rate is 11.87 per 1,000 people, and Bristol, which has 10.72.
The only area in Wales to make the list of the ten most dangerous places to own a vehicle was South Glamorgan, with a crime rate of 7.56 per 1,000 people.
Three counties have a crime rate of less than seven vehicle offences per 1,000 people – Buckinghamshire, West Yorkshire and Berkshire.
South Yorkshire has a vehicle crime rate of 8.52 per 1,000 people, causing it to rank fourth in England and Wales.
Warwickshire is the seventh worst county in the UK for owning a vehicle due to the risk of theft, break-ins, and damages.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, warned drivers nationwide to tighten up their vehicle security during the darker hours as 80% of car crime occurs in the evening or at night.
He said, ” In these hotspot car crime areas and across the country, drivers should ensure their vehicles are secure as soon as it gets dark. You can also do several things to deter criminals looking for cars to break into or steal.
“At nighttime, try to park in a well-lit area underneath a street lamp or in a busy area if you cannot use a garage. This will help prevent opportunistic thieves from attempting to steal your car.
“Invest in some anti-theft screws to secure down number plates to prevent cloning and robbery. Installing security alarms and steering wheel locks is another way to stop criminals from targeting your car.
“Many drivers also forget that leaving personal items inside their cars may increase the chances of their vehicles being stolen. Keeping bags, coats, and other items inside their homes is best.
“Secure any items outside your vehicle, including tailgate racks and roof boxes. Use padlocks and cable locks to prevent thieves or remove anything left on the vehicle.”
The Ten Most Dangerous Areas for Vehicle Crime in the UK Are:
Rank |
UK Council/County Area |
Crime rate per 1,000 people |
| 1 |
West Midlands |
12.64 |
| 2 |
London |
11.87 |
| 3 |
Bristol |
10.72 |
| 4 |
South Yorkshire |
8.52 |
| 5 |
South Glamorgan |
7.56 |
| 6 |
Bedfordshire |
7.49 |
| 7 |
Warwickshire |
7.42 |
| 8 |
Buckinghamshire |
6.90 |
| 9 |
West Yorkshire |
6.77 |
| 10 |
Berkshire |
6.59 |
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