Wales is the safest place to keep your vehicle in the UK, data shows

New analysis has revealed the places in the UK that have recorded the most vehicle related crimes, as well as the financial and emotional cost.

Insurance Revolution studied the numbers, breaking down data from the Office of National Statistics to show the UK locations that have experienced the largest amount of vehicle crime in 2020.

The data revealed that across all vehicle-related thefts, central locking was the most commonly targeted security measure (93%).

This was followed by car alarms (69%) and immobilisers (64%).

Keeping your vehicle safe is literally key too, as the analysis revealed 44% of all vehicle-related crimes reported the offender using unlocked doors.

Breaking down the data by location reveals the ‘Worst 10 UK locations:’

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Insurance Revolution’s analysis also showed that the majority (66%) of all vehicle-related theft took place in the evening to night and three quarters of offences happen between Monday to Friday.

Theft of the actual vehicle occurred more often on a semi-private residential road (41%).

Workplace roads are statistically safer, as only 1% of all reported vehicle-related crimes are recorded on them, compared to 39% recorded on residential streets.

If you’re concerned that a flashy new model will attract offenders, you’ll be glad to hear that the most commonly stolen car was reported to be between 1-5 years old, as they made up 37% of all thefts.

Despite this, just under half (48%) of vehicles stolen were damaged, and 30% were reported to be damaged beyond repair and written off.

46% of these damages were recorded to cost the owner between £100-£499, and 21% cost £50 or less.

But when an offender steals from inside the car, instead of the vehicle itself, Insurance Revolution’s analysis showed that 39% of items stolen were made of ‘valuables’. This includes jewellery, handbags, cash and cards, as well as clothes and documents.

19% of items stolen were exterior fittings, whilst other items stolen include electrical equipment (13%) and tools (10%). Also, analysis revealed that just under a third of these items were worth between £100 to £499.

Emotional costs are also just as high as financial.

78% of those who went through any vehicle related theft reported feeling emotionally affected, and just over half said they felt angry.

Others said they felt a loss of confidence and an increased sense of vulnerability (13%) and feeling anxious (6%).