Drivers have been warned to secure their vehicles properly as new research has found which regions are hotspots for car thefts.
The West Midlands was named the worst area in England and Wales for vehicle theft as the area recorded a rate of almost 13 thefts per 1,000 people in 2022.
The area is followed by London where the vehicle crime rate is just shy of 12 vehicles per 1,000 people and Bristol with 10.72 thefts.
This follows the increase in vehicle thefts across the nation which saw a 24.9 per cent year-on-year increase according to the latest data by Absolute Reg.
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80 per cent of thefts happened at night, according to data
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South Yorkshire came in fourth with vehicle thefts at 8.52 per 1,000 people, while South Glamorgan, the only Welsh region on the list, had a slightly lower rate of 7.56.
Only three counties have a crime rate of less than seven vehicle offences per 1,000 people, namely Buckinghamshire, West Yorkshire and Berkshire.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, warned drivers across the country to tighten up their vehicle security during the evening with 80 per cent of thefts taking place at night.
Smith stated that motorists in these hotspot car crime areas and across the country should ensure their vehicles are secure as soon as it gets dark.
Offering advice, he said that drivers should try to park in a well-lit area underneath a street lamp or in a busy area if unable to use a garage when parking at night.
Investing in some anti-theft screws to secure down number plates to prevent cloning and robbery is also another option flagged by Smith.
He explained that installing security alarms and steering wheel locks were alternative ways to stop criminals from targeting cars.
Smith added: “Many drivers also forget that leaving personal items inside your car may increase the chances of getting your vehicle stolen. It’s best to keep any bags, coats and other items inside your home."
Top 10 ranked regions for car thefts in England and Wales per 1,000 people
1. West Midlands - 12.64
2. London - 11.87
3. Bristol - 10.72
4. South Yorkshire - 8.52
5. South Glamorgan - 7.56
6. Bedfordshire - 7.49
7. Warwickshire - 7.42
8. Buckinghamshire - 6.90
9. West Yorkshire - 6.77
10. Berkshire - 6.59
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Drivers are advised to park in a well-lit area underneath a street lamp
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He continued, saying: “Secure any items that are on the outside of your vehicle including tailgate racks and roof boxes. Use padlocks and cable locks to prevent thieves or better yet remove anything left on the vehicle.”