Car Crime in the UK 2025: How Thieves Target Vehicles and How to Stop Them.

According to recent crime statistics, tens of thousands of vehicles are broken into annually across the UK, with urban areas like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool being hotspots for such offences. One of the driving forces behind the rise in car burglaries is the value of the items often left inside vehicles—laptops, smartphones, wallets, designer goods, and even tools can attract opportunistic thieves. Additionally, advancements in car technology have created new vulnerabilities that criminals are increasingly exploiting. But how do these burglars get into your car? 1. Keyless Entry Hacking Modern cars often come with keyless entry systems. While convenient, these systems can be exploited by thieves using relay devices. One criminal stands near the house to pick up the signal from the key fob, while another stands near the car to receive that signal and unlock the door. 2. Window Smashing The oldest trick in the book—smash and grab. This method is still common, especially when valuables are visible inside the vehicle. 3. Electronic Hacking Tools Some thieves use laptops and specialist tools to override a car’s onboard computer and start the engine without a key. 4. ‘Fishing’ Through Letterboxes Burglars sometimes fish for car keys through letterboxes using rods or wires. Once they have the keys, they can easily drive off with the car. Here are some high risk areas Urban Centres: Densely populated cities tend to have higher rates of car theft and burglary. Poorly Lit Areas: Cars parked on dimly lit or quiet streets are more vulnerable. Late Night/Early Morning Hours: Many break-ins occur when there are fewer people around, typically between 11 PM and 4 AM. Here's some tips and tricks to protect your car from theft. 1. Hide Valuables: Never leave anything valuable on display. Even empty bags can tempt a thief if they believe something valuable might be inside. 2. Use a Steering Wheel Lock: This visible deterrent can discourage criminals, especially when time is of the essence. 3. Install a Car Alarm or Immobiliser: Many modern cars come with these, but older vehicles may benefit from aftermarket installations. 4. Park Smart: Park in well-lit, busy areas or use secure car parks where possible. At home, consider installing motion-sensor lights or CCTV cameras. 5. Use a Faraday Pouch: If you have a keyless car, keep your keys in a Faraday pouch to block the signal and prevent relay attacks. 6. Don’t Leave Documents in the Car: Avoid leaving your V5 logbook or insurance documents in the glovebox. These can help criminals resell a stolen vehicle or commit identity fraud. If your car is broken into or stolen: * Report it to the police immediately by calling **101**, or **999** in an emergency. * Contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process. * If stolen, also report it to the (DVLA) and check local CCTV if available. -Car burglary in the UK is a serious issue that requires vigilance and proactive measures. While no security measure is foolproof, combining multiple deterrents significantly reduces your risk. Staying informed, securing your vehicle, and adopting good habits can make all the difference in keeping your car—and your peace of mind—safe. Stay safe, stay alert. Prevention is always better than cure. Let us know in the comments if you’ve experienced car burglary or have additional tips to share with fellow readers. Remember to follow @Theglobe_x on X(twitter) for more crime and awareness updates!