The number of automobiles stolen in the UK increased three per cent in 2021, according to motorist as well as automobile Licensing company (DVLA) data.
Police reported 48,400 automobiles as being stolen – up from 46,800 in 2020. The Ford Fiesta was the most frequently stolen design of vehicle – with 3,909 examples being nicked – complied with by the variety Rover (3,754) as well as the Ford focus (1,912).
How to prevent keyless vehicle theft
The fourth-most stolen vehicle in 2021 was the Volkswagen Golf (1,755), after which came the Mercedes C-Class (1,474), BMW 3 series (1,464), Land Rover discovery (1,260), Vauxhall Corsa (1,218), Vauxhall Astra (1,096) as well as Mercedes E-Class (818).
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The data – obtained by LeaseLoco as well as reported by Mail on the internet – showed a continuing pattern of high value vehicles being stolen by means of relay attacks that take advantage of keyless entry systems.
Car safety firm Tracker stated the variety Rover sport was its a lot of recuperated stolen vehicle in 2021, while 44 per cent of all stolen vehicles it recuperated throughout the year were Land Rovers. A additionally 18 per cent were Mercedes models.
Clive Wain, head of authorities liaison for Tracker, told the Mail: “Due to the pandemic, worldwide demand for vehicle parts produced a flourish in ‘chop-shops’ – buildings which home stolen automobiles for stripping down so their costly parts can be offered on.
“In addition, the lack of parts for new vehicle producing resulted in a surge of sales in the second-hand vehicle market, producing a rewarding service for vehicle thieves to fill the shortage.
“Prestige designs have always been the go-to for criminals who exploit the demand for these desirable vehicles in territories like Europe, middle east as well as Africa.
“We are constantly intercepting shipping containers packed with stolen automobiles at ports around the country as well as 2021 was no different. However, because of the pandemic lower value vehicles have likewise seen an boost in theft rates.”
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