The alarming rise in car theft in the UK is forcing drivers to take desperate measures, including swapping their beloved luxury SUVs for cheaper, less attractive models. Data from vehicle dash cam manufacturer Nextbase reveals that nearly 130,000 vehicles were stolen in the first quarter of 2024, almost double the number from the same period a decade ago. This surge in car crime is leaving many feeling vulnerable and resorting to extreme solutions to protect their vehicles.
Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, highlighted the trend of drivers opting for less desirable cars to deter thieves. “You shouldn’t have to make your car ugly to stop it being stolen, and you shouldn’t have to settle for a car you don’t like because the one you do like is too much of a theft-magnet,” he said. However, with theft rates at a 15-year high and a low rate of solved cases, it’s easy to understand why motorists are feeling forced to take such measures.
A recent survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that 17 percent were deterred from upgrading their current cars due to the fear of theft. Moreover, 16 percent admitted to buying used cars with lower value specifically to avoid becoming targets for criminals. The rising crime rate is also impacting insurance costs, with 22 percent of survey participants noting increased premiums due to the escalating risk.
Nextbase recommends drivers invest in high-quality dash cams to deter theft and aid in investigations. Modern dash cams automatically record when motion is sensed, alerting the owner’s phone instantly if anyone approaches the car. “Police are trying their best but are stretched. You can help them out and make it harder for thieves to get away with this by buying a modern dash cam,” stated Brooker. He added, “This will deter thieves and if they do steal your car make it far easier to catch them. With more dash cams on British roads, we won’t have to settle for second best any more.”
Beyond dash cams, drivers can further enhance their vehicle’s security by installing additional devices. Steering wheel locks, costing around £10, make it difficult and time-consuming for thieves to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of being spotted. Similarly, installing a security camera near where a car is typically parked can act as a deterrent and make potential criminals think twice before attempting to break in or steal a vehicle.
