Motor theft - What can you do to protect yourself?

Surprisingly, the number of motor thefts has actually decreased in recent years. In 2021 there were 108,000 motor thefts in England and Wales, compared to 180,000 in 2006. But the estimated cost of these crimes has risen to alarming levels, from £360m in 2006 to an estimated £1.44bn in 2021.1

This is because high value vehicles worth around £100,000 are being targeted by organised criminals, with Range Rovers being one of the most stolen models. Figures from the Home Office tell us that 72% of stolen vehicles today are never recovered2 and around half of the recovered vehicles are undamaged, showing the impetus is to resell rather than joyride3.

Commonly criminals are targeting cars with keyless technology, and ‘key hacking’ or ‘relay theft’ where criminals
attack the car’s in-built locking systems by scanning the signal from the key fob and then using it to unlock the car.

However, despite the rise in this type of crime, a staggering 50% of drivers don’t take measures to protect their keys.4 It can take just seconds for thieves to break into a vehicle using this method, and even if they don’t end up taking the car, once they’re in they can take any valuables that are left inside.

Over recent years, catalytic converter theft has also become a major problem for UK motorists. Catalytic converters have a chamber within them that houses various precious metals, and thieves have been targeting these vehicles for the precious metal within the catalytic converter, and cutting it from the exhaust line.

One metal in particular, rhodium has rocketed in price and is around 17 times more valuable than the equivalent weight in gold.5 

Catalytic converters are so valuable that some drivers have reported having them stolen in broad daylight from cars that are parked on private driveways.

Use physical security tools.

Often overlooked, physical security tools such as steering wheel, pedal, wheel, and catalytic convertor locks are relatively cheap but highly effective ways to protect your vehicles. Whilst only practical for certain vehicles and
scenarios, installing bollards (either key operated or remote controlled rising bollards) in parking bays may be a good consideration. Thieves stealing vehicles for resale want to maintain the value and so don’t want it or it’s parts damaged.

Switch it off or block the signal.

If you own vehicles with keyless technology, consider switching off the keyless feature on the fob to eliminate
the risk of the signal being hacked by criminals. You could also block the signal using a fob blocker or faraday pouch, which will prevent the signal from being relayed.

Don’t leave personal belongings, business equipment or tools in your vehicle.

Remove anything valuable and make sure that bags or phones are not in view. This will reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft. Tool theft is a common and costly problem for tradespeople. If tools or larger equipment can be moved into a property overnight this can reduce the risk, as thefts from vans are far higher than those from properties.6 Theft from vehicles often results in the vehicle being damaged through forcible entry, which results in vehicle down time and negative business impact whilst the vehicle is off the road being repaired.

Park safely.

Where possible park vehicles in a private garage, or in a highly visible, well lit place, and/or park defensively against a wall or fence to make stealing the catalytic converter more difficult. Installing CCTV will also help to dissuade criminals from targeting your vehicles. If parking in a public place, look for ‘Park Mark’ accredited car parks – these sites have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the police.

Install a vehicle tracker.

These systems are particularly beneficial for high-value and high-performance vehicles. Category S5 Trackers are the highest specification Thatcham approved vehicle tracking systems available on the market.