Drivers warned of car “crime wave” and ways how | Tech News

Drivers across the nation are being warned of a crime-wave “epidemic” sweeping throughout the nation as thieves have begun concentrating on automobiles fuelling unlawful chop outlets. The idea generally known as car cannibalism has been on the rise and includes criminals stealing elements off your car and promoting them to those black market outlets.

New information from Admiral Insurance means that thefts of car parking sensors have risen by 400% between 2023 and 2024. But it is not simply parking cameras which might be being stolen, thieves are additionally identified to take steering wheels, airbags, wing mirrors, catalytic converters and even car emblems. With all these stolen elements going across the market, unlawful chop outlets have been on the rise, with the unlawful elements making their manner back onto the market. 

Now, specialists are popping out to warn towards this sort of crime, and are giving some helpful advice to attempt to defend your self and your car from these thieves. 

Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz, informed Autocar: “Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand.

“Criminals see elements theft as an simple approach to make further money, and we have now seen an increase in every type of theft referring to automobiles over the previous 12 months.

“New airbags can cost as much as £1200, but thieves sell stolen ones for a fraction of the price. Wing mirrors, catalytic converters, wheels and car emblems are also quick to sell on.”

They recommend at all times parking your car in protected areas, out of sight, the place attainable. For longer stays, personal car parks and garages are the best choices as they’re often coated by CCTV and monitored. 

If you do not have entry to a secure parking space, take into account parking in a well-lit space with high foot visitors, and attempt to deter any potential thieves.

The Midlands appears to be significantly at risk of this crime. Mark Silvester, of West Midlands Police, mentioned: “Unlike car theft, parts theft is an opportunistic crime rather than organised. It is often carried out when someone has posted online that they’re searching for a particular part. Motorists can help stamp it out by avoiding parts whose source is not legitimate or which are not sold under a scheme such as eBay’s Certified Recycled scheme.”

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll get better stolen elements, there are ways that you would be able to mark them that may help the police determine them as yours ought to the elements be recovered.

Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, added: “Like grand theft auto, car cannibalism is another big worry for car owners. Because the parts that are stolen are so hard to retrieve and are of comparatively little value, it’s very unlikely you’ll get them back.

“Taking precautions against theft and ensuring you have insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism.

“You may find it useful to keep a supply of spares in your home or a secure garage, particularly for parts like lights. If your vehicle is cannibalised, you can then quickly install a new part and be back on the road in no time.”