Car ownership has increased in the UK over the past few years. But with this increase in car ownership comes an unfortunate rise in car theft. In 2016, there were 119,000 vehicle thefts in England and Wales every four minutes! In 2021, that number increased due to the pandemic. This is a major problem for car owners.
Not only can having your car stolen be a huge inconvenience, but it can also be very expensive. If you haven’t insured your car properly, you could be left with a hefty bill. And if your car is stolen, it’s not just the cost of the car itself that you’ll have to worry about. You’ll also have to pay for any damage to the vehicle during the theft and any legal costs associated with getting your car back. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your car from thieves. This post will look at the top five most stolen cars in the UK and give tips on protecting your vehicle.
Top 5 Most Stolen Cars In The UK
1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
When it comes to car theft, luxury vehicles are often the target. One of them is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Thieves targeted this popular German sedan over 1200 times in 2016. The E-Class is also the most popular model of Mercedes-Benz, so it’s no surprise that it’s a prime target for thieves. Despite the high thefts, the E-Class is still one of the most popular cars on British roads.
2. BMW X-Series
The BMW X-Series is the second most stolen car in the UK. This luxury SUV is popular because it’s easy to resell and fetch a high price. In 2021, over 1,000 units of X-Series vehicles were stolen in the UK. BMW’s high-security systems make them difficult to steal, but that doesn’t stop determined thieves.
3. Land Rover Discovery
Another luxury SUV popular with thieves is the Land Rover Discovery. According to data from DVLA, this vehicle was stolen over 3,754 times in 2020, making it one of the most stolen automobiles in the UK. The high price tag and easy resale value make the Range Rover a prime target for thieves.
4. Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is popular for car thieves because it’s easy to hotwire and steal. In 2020, there were over 1,000 units of Astra stolen in the UK. Astra is a popular target because of its low resale value and the fact that it’s easy to break into.
5. VW Golf
The VW Golf is another popular choice for car thieves. This German hatchback was stolen over 1200 times in 2020. Golf is such a popular target mainly because of its easy resale value and the fact that it’s easy to break into.
These are just some of the most stolen cars in the UK. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your car from thieves. Continue to read to find out how you can protect your car.
Tips For Protecting Your Car From Thieves
Now that we’ve looked at the most stolen cars in the UK let’s talk about how you can protect your car from thieves. Here are some tips:
- Park in well-lit and busy areas: This will deter thieves from targeting your car as they’re more likely to be seen and caught.
- Install a security system and tracking device: This will make your car less attractive to thieves. With a security system, they’re more likely to be caught, and with a tracking device, you’re more likely to get your car back if it’s stolen.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight: If you must leave valuables in your car, keep them hidden, so thieves are less likely to see them. Things like laptops, GPS devices, and purses are all popular items thieves look for, so make sure they’re hidden.
- Never leave your car running: This is an easy way for thieves to steal your car. If you must leave your car running, make sure you ask someone to watch it or park nearby so you can keep an eye on it.
- Keep your car locked: This seems like a no-brainer, but many people forget to lock their doors, making their car an easy target for thieves.
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Stolen?
If your automobile is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will take a report and try to track down your car. If you have a tracking device installed, it will be easier for them to find your car. You should also let your car insurer know as soon as possible. They will be able to help you with the next steps.
You can also take some proactive steps to prevent your car from being stolen in the first place. Following the important tips above, you can make your car less attractive to thieves and more likely to be recovered if stolen.
Final Thoughts
Car theft is a pretty serious problem in the UK, but there are things you can do to protect your car. Taking simple precautions can deter thieves and make it more likely that you’ll get your car back if it’s stolen. If you happen to have your car stolen, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to try to recover your car and get back on the road.
If you plan to buy a used automobile, make sure it doesn’t have a history of being stolen. Owning a stolen car can be a hassle, and you may not even know it’s stolen until it’s too late. Do your research to make sure the automobile you’re buying is legitimate. By running a stolen check at Just-carchecks.co.uk, you can see if a car has been reported stolen. This is one more strategy you can use to protect yourself from car theft. Protect yourself, your family, and your investment by being proactive about car theft.