How to protect your car amid 20% rise in vehicle thefts

Drivers are being told how to protect their cars from thieving criminals after an increase of 20.8% in vehicle thefts last year.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk are advising car owners of eight ways to keep their cars safe amidst the rise in vehicle thefts.

In the last year, there was an increase of 22,493 vehicle thefts between 2022 and 2023.

Figures show the number of vehicle thefts from 2021 to 2022 was 108,028 with the year after having an increase of 130,521.

The experts advise etching the VIN into the car’s interior and using bright yellow wheel locks to deter criminals from the vehicle.

They also recommend investing in alarm devices and tracking systems for extra vehicle protection.

Tim Alcock, motoring expert at LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s alarming that vehicle thefts have been on the rise in the last few years and that we could be reaching the 150,000 mark in 2024.

“That’s why we’ve provided our advice to drivers in the hopes that it’ll keep their cars safe and ultimately deter those from committing the crimes.

“Simple measures such as using an anti wheel lock, anti-theft screws on numberplates and tracking devices can all help to keep the cars safe from the hands of mindless criminals.”

Eight ways to keep your vehicle safe from car thieves:

1. Etching the VIN into the interior

Having the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto the doorframe, windows and steering wheel can help to deter vehicles from stealing the vehicle as it’ll be harder to sell stolen car parts if they’ve been personalised.

2. Bright wheel locks

 Wheel locks will stick out like a sore thumb to criminals as they’ll know the owner of the vehicle is taking extra preventive measures to protect their car. Opt for bright colours such as yellow so they can be easily viewed.

3. Place alarms

Set alarms to activate in the car so any criminals attempting to break in will leave them alone once the sound is triggered. It’s highly worth investing in one especially if you’re leaving the vehicle for long periods of time. 

4. Tracking systems

Place a tag in your car in a hidden area such as in the glovebox, under the seats or in the boot so you know where it is at all times. This allows you to track the vehicle if the worst happens.

5. Anti-theft screws on number plates

 Vehicle cloning has been on the rise in the UK with criminals stealing thousands of number plates from cars. Anti-theft screws can help prevent them from being stolen due to their durability.

6. Put all valuables away

One of the easiest things you can do is ensure no goods are left on the seats before leaving the car unattended. Some will break into a car just to steal whatever is in a shopping bag which could escalate into them stealing the entire vehicle.

7. Window tinting

Tinting the windows can be another useful way to deter criminals from looking into the car as an opportunity to steal it. The law states that the front windscreen has to let in at least 75% of light through and for front side windows, 70% is needed. There are no rules around the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows.

8. Install cameras

Cameras are the obvious deterrent to keeping criminals away from cars. You can even keep your dashcam recording through the night as an extra lens to show anyone walking in front of the car. Signs stating that you have cameras around may work as an extra deterrent.