Drivers with driveways urged to install 'substantial gate' as 'epidemic' hits

THEFTS ARE RISING AS CRIMINALS LEAP ON PARKED CARS AND STRIP THEM OF PARTS, ALL BECAUSE THE COST OF CAR PARTS HAS SKYROCKETED 35 PER CENT. 15:08, 21 May 2025 Car cannibal theft rates are

skyrocketing - as criminals target road users, motorists and drivers across the country. Thefts are rising as criminals leap on parked cars and strip them of parts, all because the cost of

car parts has skyrocketed 35 per cent. The increase has led to criminals resorting to stealing rather than forking out themselves for replacements. Clive Wain, vehicle theft expert and head

of police liaison at Tracker, said there has been a "demand growth" for "quality second-hand parts leading to this latest car crime spate." He said: “Even basic parts

prices like discs, brake pads and wiper blades have shot up, so car cannibalisation can be a very lucrative market for criminals.” Mr Wain warned drivers in the UK there’s an “urgent need to

ramp up vehicle security”. READ MORE NEW UK PRIMARY SCHOOL DINNER RULES WITH SOME STAPLES BEING 'BANNED' Ensure your alarm is up to date and consider a "substantial

gate" which provides a "physical barrier for the car" if it's on a driveway, Mr Wain said. Discussing how keyless cars could be impacting the rate of thefts, motoring

lawyer Nick Freeman said: “The motoring industry has been negligent because they were warned when this new technology was beginning to emerge. Article continues below "It’s a

catastrophic situation where people cannot insure their cars or face ridiculously high premiums.” Stephen Mason, a barrister specialising in electronic evidence and communication

interception, said: “There has been insouciance and ignorance by the motoring industry, not wanting to pay the price for proper security. "We now have modern cars with the latest

technology and the owners have to put on old-fashioned steering locks to protect them from being stolen.” Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Car makers continuously introduce new

technology to stay one step ahead of criminals. This investment has helped drive down vehicle theft dramatically over the past 30 years. “While manufacturers continue to enhance security

systems, technological innovation alone cannot prevent all theft. That’s why the sector is working closely with the police, insurance industry and other security stakeholders.” The Home

Office said: “We expect police to take vehicle crime seriously which is why we welcomed the commitment made by police in August last year to follow up on all reasonable lines of enquiry.

Article continues below “We have made great progress in tackling vehicle crime, which is down 39% since 2010. New measures in the Criminal Justice Bill will ban electronic devices used in

vehicle theft.”