While recently released British Crime Survey (BCS) statistics suggest that crime has stabilised and in some cases even declined, it would be wise for vehicle owners to remain alert regarding vehicle security. Incidences of vandalism, theft and burglary are still high enough to be of concern.
Based on the 2008/09 BCS, vehicle related theft figures have remained stable. This has been largely attributed to the fact that newer cars are harder to steal. Over 90% of all vehicle-owning households surveyed reported that their primary vehicle had central locking, while 67% reported that it had an alarm. Of all the cars and vans reported stolen during this period, only 64% had central locking and 40% had an alarm.
Since 2007 the Home Office has collected data about instances of vehicle theft occurring during burglaries. These are generally referred to as ‘car key’ burglaries. Overall, 7% of home burglaries in the latest survey involved the theft of a vehicle, compared to 6% as reported in the previous report released in 2007/08. Car keys were stolen in 9% of burglaries, even if the vehicle wasn’t taken at the same time.
Between 2007/08 and 2008/09 a decrease in the number of vehicle related offences was recorded by the police. The report revealed that motor vehicle theft declined by 14%. The most common types of car theft involve forced ignition, vehicles being towed and thieves using car keys to gain access to the vehicle.
Aftermarket security systems are increasingly used to discourage opportunistic thieves from forcing the ignition of a car. Hot-wiring used to be one of the most common methods of stealing cars, but due to increasingly sophisticated immobiliser systems this method is only occasionally successful.
Another common method of vehicle theft is towing, or even pushing, the vehicle away. Some thieves will hitch cars to a tow truck under the guise of law enforcement. Others will simply push the car away after forcing entry. While alarms, immobilisers and security locks can make it much harder for cars to be stolen, criminals are known to break into houses just to steal vehicle keys.
Extra security devices can lower car insurance premiums, as protected vehicles pose a lower risk. In addition such vehicles are less likely to be stolen, and therefore less likely to result in the inconvenience of a claim.
About Prudential Insurance
Prudential is a leading UK provider of affordable car insurance policies. Their motor insurance policies offer protection against fire, theft and third party claims. Visit http://www.pru.co.uk/insurance_protection/car_insurance/ for more information or a free car insurance quote today.
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